As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, the political landscape is heating up. A recent meeting of opposition heavyweights in Abuja has sparked a whirlwind of speculation, strategy, and scrutiny.
Among the prominent figures present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, political strategist Kashim Ibrahim-Imam and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Peter Obi had publicly dismissed any notion of prioritizing political positions. “Politics for me is not about positions. It’s about doing the right thing,” he stated during a philanthropic event in Abuja. He emphasized his focus on tackling poverty, poor healthcare, and the lack of quality education.
“I’m in a coalition against hunger, not for vice presidency,” Obi asserted, sidestepping a direct confirmation or denial of the alleged VP offer.
However, Obi in another statement reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, assuring his supporters that he will contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.
Obi made this known while addressing some of his supporters in a viral video circulating on social media on Saturday.
Asked which party he intends to contest the 2027 elections, Obi said, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.”
Yet, he attended he attended the formidable opposition coalition meeting held in Abuja on Sunday. Which has now drawn attention and raised questions.
In the complex theatre of Nigerian politics, few figures have cultivated an image of moral clarity and reformist zeal as effectively as Peter Obi. To many, he is the straight-talking, data-driven symbol of a new Nigeria—an outsider challenging a decaying system. But beneath the polished rhetoric and carefully curated persona lies a more complicated reality that raises questions about the authenticity of his political brand.
The Abuja gathering, held at the Continental Hotel under the banner of the National Political Consultative Group (North), aimed to build a formidable coalition capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Earlier, Atiku had offered Obi the vice-presidential slot under a single-term agreement. The proposal—first discussed during a private meeting in the UK earlier this year—allegedly includes Atiku’s commitment to serve only one term before handing over the reins to Obi.
“There’s a growing consensus that Obi has accepted the VP offer,” a source claimed. “They are working toward signing a formal agreement.”
If true, this move would revive the Atiku-Obi ticket seen in 2019 under the PDP. However, internal tensions within both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) are prompting coalition leaders to consider an alternative platform—likely the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Meetings with ADC leadership have intensified, with party chairman Ralph Nwosu confirming constitutional reforms to accommodate new entrants.
Obidient Movement Rejects VP Speculation
The Obidient Movement quickly issued a firm statement refuting reports of Obi accepting a vice-presidential role under Atiku. Nana Kazaure, the movement’s Strategic Communications Director, dismissed the reports as unfounded and misleading.
“Mr. Peter Obi remains focused on real change and addressing systemic failures—not personal political ambitions,” Kazaure stated. “He will announce any decision about his political path himself.”
Babachir Lawal: Coalition Is Bigger Than Atiku
Former SGF Babachir Lawal, a vocal Peter Obi supporter, dismissed claims that the coalition revolves solely around Atiku’s 2027 ambitions.
“Obi and Amaechi are not there to hand over the ticket to Atiku,” Lawal told the Nigerian Tribune. “This is a democratic platform where anyone can emerge as the presidential candidate through due process.”
Lawal revealed that the coalition plans to hold internal primaries and conventions to select candidates at all levels, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
ADC Emerges as Preferred Coalition Platform
Once seen as a fringe party, the ADC is now gaining traction as the possible vessel for the opposition alliance. Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed that reforms are underway to make the party more accessible to new entrants, including waiving the two-year membership requirement for candidacy.
“I’m stepping down to allow fresh leadership to drive the coalition agenda,” Nwosu announced.
Read also:
- Peter Obi Applauds Alex Otti’s Two-Year Transformation in Abia
- 2027: Atiku, Peter Obi, El-Rufai form alliance under ADC to dethrone Tinubu
- Nigerians React to 2027 Coalition Proposal, as Atiku’s camp offers Peter Obi VP slot in one-term deal
PDP and Coalition Leaders Confident of Victory
PDP leaders believe that a united opposition front could deliver a decisive defeat to the APC in 2027. “If Atiku, Obi, and others truly align, they could win before 1 PM on election day,” said PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor.
He cited public disillusionment, widespread hunger, and worsening insecurity as key drivers that could tilt the vote against the APC.
Obi Signals Retirement by 70, Pushes for Youth Inclusion
Peter Obi has also used recent public appearances to advocate for age limits in politics, stating that at 65 in 2027, he would prefer not to run into his 70s. “Nigeria needs a generational shift,” he emphasized.
Strategy or Contradiction?
While Peter Obi’s words and actions suggest a commitment to principles over politics, his continued engagement with opposition coalition leaders—including Atiku—is raising eyebrows. Whether this is a calculated move to unify the opposition or a contradiction of his earlier stances remains to be seen.
For now, both Atiku and Obi are keeping their cards close to their chests, while Nigerians watch closely, hopeful for a viable alternative in 2027.
Obi’s image as a principled, new-breed politician begins to falter under closer examination. A notable example is the 2021 Pandora Papers leak, which revealed his ownership of secret offshore companies and undeclared assets—actions that appear to contravene Nigeria’s code of conduct for public officials.
Rather than providing full accountability, Obi deflected the criticism and downplayed the implications. For someone who frequently champions transparency and fiscal responsibility, this episode casts a shadow over his self-styled reputation for integrity.
While he continues to inspire a devoted following, particularly among young Nigerians, the contrast between his public proclamations and past conduct fuels ongoing debate: is he a genuine agent of change or simply a familiar figure in new robes—an elite recast as a populist reformer?
