Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), along with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate from the same election, are reportedly in preliminary talks to establish a new political party in anticipation of the 2027 general elections......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
According to sources close to the matter, Atiku and Obi have already held initial discussions aimed at exploring the potential for a fresh political platform that could unite their visions. The two leaders, who both commanded significant support in the 2023 election, are said to be seriously considering this collaboration as a strategic response to the ongoing challenges within their respective parties.
The pair are scheduled to meet again on Saturday, November 30, in Yola, Adamawa State. Peter Obi is expected to deliver the keynote address at a special event celebrating Atiku’s 78th birthday at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), an institution founded by Atiku. This gathering not only celebrates Atiku’s milestone but, according to insiders, also symbolizes the unity and mutual respect shared between the two political figures.
The Africa Report, as cited by The Sun, noted that a spokesperson for both leaders confirmed that discussions about a potential merger are indeed underway, though specific details about the new platform have not been disclosed. The spokesperson refrained from elaborating on what such a collaboration might look like, leaving room for speculation on the evolving alliance.
Following their loss to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, both Atiku and Obi have been navigating significant internal party challenges. The PDP, for instance, has been engulfed in a prolonged crisis, exacerbated by the influence of its acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, who has ties to Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Wike, once a central PDP figure, openly criticized Atiku’s presidential bid and backed Tinubu during the last election, contributing to the ongoing divisions within the party.
Similarly, the Labour Party has faced its own set of issues. Peter Obi’s relationship with the party’s chairman, Julius Abure, has reportedly become strained, leading to internal discord that has hindered the party’s cohesion and strategic planning.
This alliance between Atiku and Obi is being observed with interest by political analysts, especially as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is also rumored to be involved in these discussions. El-Rufai’s potential involvement could add another layer of influence and regional representation to the alliance, signaling the possibility of a new political realignment in Nigeria.
As the country approaches the 2027 election cycle, Atiku, Obi, and possibly El-Rufai appear to be positioning themselves for a significant role. The coming months may see further developments in this emerging partnership, with the possibility of a new political platform aimed at challenging the current political establishment and offering Nigerians an alternative path forward.
