The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has addressed ongoing reports about a potential coalition with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Obi, his interest in any alliance is not about political positions but about fixing Nigeria’s broken systems.
Dismissing speculations that he has agreed to serve as Atiku’s running mate, Obi clarified his stance during an event in Abuja where he donated ₦10 million each to a school and hospital building project by the Anglican Church in Kubwa.
“I’m in a coalition against hunger, against poverty, against ill health. Politics for me is not about positions—it is about doing the right thing,” Obi said.
Reports of VP Deal Denied by ‘Obidient Movement’
The Obidient Movement, a political support group backing Obi, also refuted claims of a sealed deal for the 2027 elections. In a statement signed by its Director of Strategic Communications, Nana Kazaure, the movement dismissed the alleged pact as false and speculative.
“Mr. Obi remains focused on uniting Nigerians around urgent national issues—corruption, hunger, education, and healthcare,” the statement read.
“If any major political move is made, he will personally announce it.”
Opposition Leaders Tight-Lipped as Coalition Talks Continue
Sources close to both Atiku and Obi confirm ongoing discussions among key opposition figures aimed at forming a powerful coalition to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. However, specific details, including power-sharing arrangements, remain undisclosed.
Atiku’s media adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, confirmed progress in coalition-building efforts but emphasized that details are still being finalized.
“Atiku, Obi, and other opposition leaders are working diligently on a robust coalition platform. When the time is right, the full plan will be unveiled,” Ibe said.
PDP: Coalition Could End Tinubu’s Reign by 1PM on Election Day
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) expressed strong optimism about the potential impact of such a coalition. Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, said a united front involving Atiku, Obi, and former Governor Nasir El-Rufai could hand APC a swift defeat.
“If egos don’t get in the way, this coalition could end the 2027 presidential race by 1 p.m. on election day,” he stated.
Osadolor cited increasing levels of hunger, insecurity, and public frustration as the fuel that could drive mass support for the alliance.
ADC Rebrands to Support Coalition Plans
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), one of the platforms under consideration for the coalition, is reforming its internal structure. National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu announced he would step down to make way for new leadership and ease entry for new political actors.
“We’re updating our constitution to allow new members immediate eligibility to contest elections,” Nwosu revealed. “Our national convention will soon take place, and I won’t be running for chairman.”
