Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has allegedly proposed a political alliance with Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections, offering him the vice-presidential slot and pledging to serve only one term if elected.
According to sources familiar with the development, Atiku and Obi held a private meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this year, during which Atiku suggested a power-sharing arrangement that would see Obi succeed him in 2031.
While Obi has not issued a public statement, insiders say he is open to the proposal but continues to consult with key allies.
The potential alliance would mark a political reunion, as Obi was Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a race they lost to then-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
With both the PDP and Labour Party grappling with internal crises, attention has shifted to forming a new platform, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emerging as a leading alternative. Initial considerations reportedly included the Social Democratic Party (SDP), but concerns over APC influence led to a pivot toward the ADC.
A source involved in the coalition talks noted that several opposition leaders, including Atiku, Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, are working to form a united front to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Formal announcements are expected ahead of the 2026 primaries.
“The UK meeting laid the groundwork. Atiku asked Obi to be his running mate and promised to step down after one term.
Obi is still consulting, but signs indicate he is likely to agree,” the source said.
Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, confirmed coalition discussions but declined to comment on specific arrangements.
“I can confirm that His Excellency and Peter Obi are exploring a coalition. The goal is to build a broad-based alliance to unseat the APC government in 2027,” he said.
Peter Ahmeh, secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties and an ally of Obi, declined to confirm the reported deal.
“We are in the Labour Party for now. Any broader political move will depend on consultations,” he stated.
Yunusa Tanko, coordinator of the Obedient Movement, also said he was unaware of any agreement.
“As of my last discussion with Obi, there was no mention of this.”
ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed that discussions are ongoing with multiple stakeholders, including members of the APC.
He added that 21 former national party chairmen had recently joined the ADC and hinted at imminent developments in the coalition effort.