Sources reveal Atiku Abubakar has proposed a single-term presidency with Peter Obi as running mate in a bid to unseat Tinubu, and both camps are weighing using the ADC platform as the PDP and LP remain embroiled in internal crises ahead of the 2027 polls.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly offered Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, the vice presidential slot in a proposed single-term joint ticket for the 2027 election, multiple sources familiar with the coalition talks told The PUNCH.
The discussions, which began during a meeting between the two opposition leaders in the United Kingdom earlier this year, have advanced with Atiku committing to a four-year presidency before handing over to Obi, according to insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Coalition Against Tinubu
The move follows the March 20 announcement of a coalition involving Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other opposition figures to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. A party chieftain privy to the negotiations confirmed that both leaders have agreed in principle but are consulting their supporters before a formal declaration.
“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,” the source disclosed. “Obi has accepted, and Atiku has agreed to serve a single term. They may even sign a written agreement.”
ADC as Possible Platform
With both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) facing internal crises, sources indicate the coalition is considering the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an alternative platform.
“The crisis in PDP and LP is frustrating. They are tilting towards ADC,” another insider revealed. ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed ongoing discussions with coalition stakeholders but declined to name specific figures. “We have spoken with all critical stakeholders,” he said, promising a major announcement soon.
Media Aides Stay Mum
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, declined to confirm the agreement but acknowledged coalition talks. “I cannot speak on specific agreements, but both leaders are focused on unseating the APC in 2027,” he told The PUNCH.
Peter Obi’s ally, Peter Ahmeh, also withheld comment, stating only that Obi is working to resolve LP’s internal disputes.
If finalized, the Atiku-Obi ticket would reunite the pair after their 2019 PDP campaign defeat to Muhammadu Buhari. Analysts say the coalition’s success hinges on overcoming party crises and presenting a united front against the ruling APC.