Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President, has allegedly proposed a one-term power-sharing deal to Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, offering him the vice president position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources close to the coalition talks, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that Atiku first proposed the idea during a private meeting with Obi in the United Kingdom earlier this year.
Atiku has reportedly pledged to serve only one term as president if elected, with Obi agreeing to be his running mate, pending confirmation after consulting key supporters.
This development could signal a potential reunion between the two politicians, who previously ran together on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in the 2019 elections, losing to incumbent Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Both camps are reportedly exploring alternative political parties, such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), due to the ongoing crises within the PDP and Labour Party.
“The Social Democratic Party was part of the plans before now, but it seems the ruling APC has also infiltrated the party. So, they are tilting towards the ADC. Some of the loyalists have been meeting with the ADC leadership, and others have quietly joined the party. So, if things do not favour them in LP and PDP, they may join ADC,” a source said.
In March, Atiku, Obi, and others including Nasir El-Rufai announced a new coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027, but no further updates have been provided. A political insider revealed that consultations are still underway.
“You know that by this time next year, by May 2026, almost all parties would have unveiled their presidential candidates for the 2027 elections. So, the coalition move is mindful of that.
The leaders have all agreed that it’s only a coalition between Atiku, Obi, and others that can wrest power from Tinubu. So, they are crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s to finalise this.”
The source added that the UK meeting was key to the plan.
“Atiku and Obi met earlier this year in the UK. That was where Atiku first mooted the idea of a coalition and urged Obi to be his running mate. Obi then asked for time to think it over and consult his loyalists.
Recent developments indicate that Obi has agreed to be Atiku’s running mate, with Atiku consenting to serve only one four-year term and subsequently hand over to the former governor of Anambra State. Both parties have reportedly agreed to sign a written agreement if necessary.
Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, confirmed discussions about a coalition but declined to comment on any specific agreement.
“I know that His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have been talking about the coalition. I cannot speak on the specific agreement they have reached.
Peter Obi and another presidential aspirant are working to build a strong coalition to defeat the APC government in 2027, according to Peter Ahmeh, who refused to confirm a potential deal but emphasized Obi’s commitment to Labour Party unity.
“No comment on this one, until I speak with my oga,” he said.
He added, “We are in the LP as we speak, and that is the option available to accommodate everyone because you cannot sleep in a hostile environment and expect to succeed.”
Meanwhile, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, denied knowledge of any Atiku-Obi joint ticket.
“As far as I am concerned, after I met with him in Benin, there was nothing of this nature on the table. He has not shared with me any of this particular issue. Neither has he called nor talked to me about it.”
ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed that talks are ongoing with major stakeholders, including opposition leaders and even some within the ruling APC.
“The ADC leadership has held conversations with all major stakeholders in the coalition drive and even people in government — that is, even people in the APC,” he said.
He disclosed that 21 former national chairmen of deregistered parties have joined ADC and hinted at a major announcement soon.
“Currently, we are involved in coalition talks with all critical stakeholders. And we are meeting frequently, and by the grace of God, before the end of this week, we will announce some of the recent developments to the entire world”.
