Amid mounting speculation about political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, both the camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have firmly denied reports of a possible joint presidential ticket.
In separate statements issued on Sunday, representatives of both political figures described the media reports suggesting that Atiku had offered Obi a running mate position as “baseless,” “speculative,” and an attempt to cause division among their respective supporters.
Atiku, through his Special Adviser on Media, Paul Ibe, dismissed the claim as a fabrication by political detractors. He affirmed that while the former Vice President is actively involved in coalition-building efforts aimed at forming a people-driven opposition alliance, there has been no discussion about Obi serving as his deputy.
“Both leaders are committed to building a broad-based coalition to challenge the current administration,” Ibe stated. “But the reports suggesting a settled ticket are entirely false. What is happening is a strategic engagement process among opposition leaders.”
Similarly, Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communication for the Obidient Movement, denounced the joint ticket claims, warning that such speculation risks misinforming the public.
“The Obidient Movement has received a wave of inquiries following this misleading report,” Kazaure said. “We wish to clarify that Mr. Peter Obi has not accepted any running mate role. His engagements are focused on forming alliances that address the pressing issues of governance, not political positioning.”
Kazaure reiterated that Obi remains committed to the Labour Party for now and that any change in affiliation or future political plans would be communicated directly by him.
Meanwhile, indications continue to emerge that Peter Obi is preparing to officially declare his 2027 presidential ambition. According to sources, he is expected to announce the platform under which he will contest in the coming days, reaffirming his resolve not to reprise his 2019 role as Atiku’s running mate.
Elder statesman and APGA founder, Dr. Chekwas Okorie, confirmed Obi’s stance. “Peter Obi is not going to run as anyone’s vice,” Okorie said. “He led negotiations in London with Atiku’s camp, but they could not reach a consensus. He is ready to run for president and will make this public very soon.”
Okorie also noted that the ongoing talks between Atiku and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have advanced significantly. He hinted that a leadership shake-up within the ADC may soon occur, paving the way for Atiku to potentially adopt the party as his platform.
Sources close to the discussions revealed that the ADC is attracting key political actors from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc, including figures loyal to former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Attorney-General Abubakar Malami. This realignment is fueling projections of a three-way race in 2027.
When contacted, ADC national chairman Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu confirmed that his party is being approached by multiple stakeholders, but declined to confirm any deal with Atiku. “We are open to partnerships, but our convention will determine our candidate,” he said.
Speaking at an Anglican Church event in Kubwa, Abuja, Peter Obi also addressed the issue of political coalitions. He emphasized that his only coalition was one against poverty, poor healthcare, and failing education.
“I am not desperate for any political position,” Obi said. “My interest is in fixing this country, not in political negotiations for power.”
His comments appear to further distance him from the idea of playing second fiddle in any political arrangement, reinforcing the resolve of his supporters who view him as a transformative figure committed to breaking from Nigeria’s traditional political establishment.
As the race to 2027 intensifies, both Obi and Atiku remain pivotal figures in opposition realignment efforts. However, their camps continue to signal that any future collaboration must be driven by shared policy goals rather than political expediency.
