Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may have offered former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi the vice-presidential slot in a proposed Atiku-Obi 2027 coalition aimed at unseating the ruling APC in the next general elections.
According to reliable sources involved in the discussions, the offer was first made during a private meeting between Atiku and Obi in the United Kingdom earlier this year. Atiku reportedly pledged to serve only one term as president, with a commitment to hand over power to Obi in 2031. In return, Obi is expected to be his running mate.
Although both camps have yet to publicly confirm the deal, insiders say consultations are ongoing with key loyalists before any formal announcement is made.
This potential alliance marks a political reunion for Atiku and Obi, who previously ran on the same ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 but lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari. Their renewed collaboration follows the March 20 announcement of a broader coalition including former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai and other key figures, signaling serious intent to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 race.
Despite enthusiasm around the Atiku-Obi 2027 coalition, both the PDP and Labour Party (LP) are grappling with internal crises. Sources say the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is being considered as a neutral platform if the PDP and LP fail to resolve their leadership disputes.
“The SDP was earlier an option, but it’s believed the APC has influenced its leadership. Now, the ADC looks more promising. Meetings have already been held with ADC leaders,” one source explained.
Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media adviser, didn’t confirm or deny the VP offer. He stated only that both leaders are working to build a strong coalition to replace the APC government in 2027.
Peter Ahmeh, a known Obi loyalist and Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, declined to comment on the one-term deal. However, he emphasized Obi’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the LP and position the party for success in 2027.
“The Labour Party is still our base, despite the hostile political environment. Obi remains committed to a united opposition that can defeat Tinubu,” Ahmeh said.
The Atiku-Obi 2027 coalition remains unofficial, but reports suggest both men are prepared to sign a written agreement, formalizing the one-term presidential plan and VP slot arrangement.
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However, not everyone is on board. PDP National Executive Committee member Diran Odeyemi criticized Atiku’s ambitions, calling him a “spent force” who should step aside for younger leaders. He warned that Atiku’s continued presidential pursuits risk deepening PDP’s internal divisions.
On the other hand, some political elders like Anthony Sani of the Arewa Consultative Forum see the proposed alliance as a logical continuation of the 2019 partnership and a potential game-changer—depending on how the political terrain evolves, especially in the vote-rich North-West and South-West regions.
Meanwhile, ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed that coalition talks are ongoing. He said 21 former leaders of deregistered political parties have joined forces under the ADC umbrella, hinting at a possible major announcement soon.
“The Nigeria project is bigger than any single party. That’s why we’re building a mega coalition that can truly deliver good governance, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa,” Nwosu said.
As Nigeria inches closer to the next presidential race, all eyes are now on what the Atiku-Obi 2027 coalition could mean for the future of opposition politics in the country.
