Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly offered Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, the position of vice president under a proposed one-term presidency arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a report by The PUNCH, sources from both political camps confirmed that the offer was discussed during a private meeting earlier this year in the United Kingdom.
Sources close to the negotiation revealed that Atiku pledged to serve only one term if elected, with plans to hand over to Obi in 2031. Although Obi is said to have accepted the proposal in principle, he is still consulting with his core supporters before making a public commitment.
“That UK meeting was crucial. It was where Atiku first proposed the coalition and asked Obi to join him once again as his running mate. Obi requested time to consult with his loyalists. Recent indications suggest he has now agreed in principle,” a source familiar with the talks said.
This would not be the first political alliance between the two men. In the 2019 presidential election, Obi served as Atiku’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), although they were defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On March 20, 2024, Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other opposition leaders publicly declared plans to build a united political front to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
A political source noted that with many parties expected to unveil their candidates by May 2026, coalition plans are gaining urgency.
“The key opposition figures understand that only a united front involving Atiku, Obi, and others can realistically defeat Tinubu. The talks are progressing, and the parties involved are working to finalize the framework.”
The source added that a written agreement may be signed soon to formalize the one-term deal and joint ticket.
Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, confirmed that coalition discussions are underway but declined to comment on the specifics.
“Yes, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have been discussing the idea of a coalition. I cannot speak on any agreement details, but both leaders are focused on building a broad alliance capable of removing the underperforming APC government in 2027.”
However, Peter Ahmeh, a close ally of Obi and Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), offered a cautious response.
“No comment for now. I need to speak with my principal first,” he said.
“We are still firmly in the Labour Party, and we believe it offers the best platform for inclusive politics.”
Meanwhile, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, denied any knowledge of the alleged Atiku-Obi arrangement.
“There’s no such deal as far as I know. I last spoke with him in Benin, and he never mentioned anything like this,” Tanko said.
On the broader coalition efforts, Ralph Nwosu, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), confirmed ongoing high-level engagements with opposition leaders—and even some APC members.
“We’ve had discussions with key political stakeholders, including some currently in government. Coalition-building is in full swing,” Nwosu revealed.
“As we speak, 21 former national chairmen of deregistered political parties have joined the ADC. A major announcement is expected by the end of this week.”
As the 2027 election cycle inches closer, all eyes remain on the evolving opposition alliance and whether a formal Atiku-Obi joint ticket will emerge.
