On Tuesday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed speculations about a potential merger between Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s standard-bearer in the 2023 election.
The APC characterized both politicians as desperate and untrustworthy.
Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, issued a statement in Abuja titled “Atiku, Obi United by Mutual Desperation,” where he downplayed the significance of their recent meetings. Morka argued that these meetings, aimed at preventing President Bola Tinubu from securing a second term in 2027, would lead to nothing substantial.
The speculation intensified after Obi visited Atiku at his Abuja residence on May 13, a meeting that was documented on social media. On the same day, Obi also met with PDP stalwarts Bukola Saraki and Sule Lamido. This fueled rumors of a potential alliance, given their previous joint candidacy in the 2019 election, where they were defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
Obi and Atiku both ran independently in the 2023 election, with Obi representing the Labour Party after leaving the PDP. Following their defeat by Tinubu, Atiku called for a coalition among opposition parties to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
Morka suggested that it remains uncertain whether Obi would rejoin the PDP or if Atiku would consider aligning with the Labour Party. He described both politicians as “political wayfarers,” criticizing their history of switching party affiliations.
“Atiku and Obi are united by their mutual desperation to be President of Nigeria and their disdain for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national transformation,” Morka stated. He further argued that their inability to maintain stable party affiliations demonstrates a lack of resilience needed to tackle Nigeria’s complex national challenges.
Morka concluded by urging Nigerians to continue supporting the APC and President Tinubu’s efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous nation, emphasizing that Atiku and Obi’s opportunistic political maneuvers should not distract from the government’s goals.
(Punch)
