Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has suggested he might support Peter Obi, his Labour Party counterpart from the last election, in the 2027 presidential race. The former Vice President, who is currently engaged in merger talks with stakeholders from various opposition parties, expressed his openness to backing Obi if the Labour Party nominates the former Anambra governor.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, as reported by The Sun, Atiku revealed his willingness to unite with other opposition parties to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election. Atiku emphasized, “We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that.”
Recent meetings between Atiku and Obi have fueled speculation about a potential merger among opposition parties. Atiku confirmed these discussions, highlighting the strategic efforts to align forces against the APC for the 2027 general elections.
Atiku stated that if a new coalition party decides to nominate a candidate from the South-East, specifically Peter Obi, he would fully support the decision. “I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it,” Atiku reiterated. “As long as it is the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.”
This development signals a potential shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, with key opposition figures considering strategic alliances to present a united front in the next presidential election.
