In a bid to foster political unity and potentially form an alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, engaged in closed-door meetings with key stakeholders in Abuja.
Obi’s series of meetings, including one with Atiku and several stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have ignited speculation about a possible coalition to challenge the ruling party in the next elections.
Atiku expressed the need for collaboration, suggesting the possibility of a coalition, stating, “Regarding the coalition talks, perhaps it is already underway. The possibility does exist.”
While addressing the media, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, hinted at ongoing discussions between Atiku and Obi, indicating potential cooperation.
“They have indeed been in discussions, and it is just a matter of those discussions bearing fruit,” Ibe stated.
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, lauded the meeting, emphasizing the importance of opposition unity in unseating the ruling party. “It’s positive to see these leaders coming together to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 election,” Osadolor remarked.
On Obi’s part, the Chief Spokesman of his Presidential Campaign Organization, Yunusa Tanko, highlighted the discussions’ focus on rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges. Tanko emphasized the need for unity among opposition parties to address the nation’s pressing issues.
However, speculations regarding Obi’s potential return to the PDP or a merger between the Labour Party and the PDP remain uncertain. Tanko suggested that such talks would continue, awaiting a definitive outcome.
The APC responded with confidence, downplaying the significance of the potential coalition. Bala Ibrahim, the National Publicity Director of the APC, dismissed the notion of an opposition alliance posing a threat to the ruling party.
Ibrahim asserted, “This is also not to say we are going to be sleeping between now and when the time comes. We don’t talk about crossing the bridge until we get there.”
Meanwhile, political analysts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the Atiku-Obi alliance. Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer, and Professor Hassan Saliu, the President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, both cautioned that the alliance might encounter challenges due to conflicting interests and pressure from supporters.
Effiong emphasized the premature nature of the discussions, suggesting that Atiku should retire from politics, while Saliu highlighted the potential strain on the alliance arising from the ambitions of both leaders.