2027: Atiku Offers Peter Obi VP Slot in One-Term Deal, Coalition Talks Intensify

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly offered a one-term presidency deal to ex-Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a bid to forge a formidable alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources close to the negotiation revealed that both men held a private meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this year, during which Atiku proposed to run for only one term, after which power would be transferred to Obi. The proposal, seen by political observers as a strategic move to unite Nigeria’s fractured opposition, is part of broader coalition talks involving several high-profile figures.

The political partnership isn’t new. In 2019, Obi served as Atiku’s running mate under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), but their bid to unseat then-President Muhammadu Buhari fell short. This time, however, the stakes are different. With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid looming, many believe an Atiku-Obi ticket—if successfully negotiated—could be the strongest challenge yet to the ruling APC.

Insiders say Obi, who now commands a large youth-driven support base, is still consulting key allies before committing. While he is said to have accepted the proposal “in principle,” a formal announcement is being withheld pending input from his inner circle.

“The understanding is that Atiku will do just four years and then hand over to Obi in 2031,” a PDP insider confirmed. “They both agreed to put it in writing if necessary, but Obi wants the backing of his loyalists before making anything public.”

But internal party crises remain a stumbling block. With infighting rocking both the PDP and Labour Party, coalition leaders are reportedly considering a move to a more neutral political platform, such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Meetings have already been held with ADC leaders, while some supporters of the duo are said to have quietly joined the party.

“The idea is to avoid the messy leadership crises in both PDP and LP,” another source explained. “While talks are ongoing to resolve the issues, the fallback plan is ADC, where the coalition can operate freely.”

ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, confirmed the party’s involvement in discussions. “We have engaged with critical stakeholders, including opposition figures and even some within government. The goal is to build a mega party that will offer a credible alternative for 2027.”

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the coalition, not everyone is sold on the Atiku-Obi comeback. PDP chieftain and NEC member, Diran Odeyemi, expressed doubts over Atiku’s continued political relevance, calling the move desperate.

“Atiku’s time is over,” Odeyemi said bluntly. “He’s offering what he doesn’t have. How can you be offering Obi a VP slot when you haven’t secured the PDP ticket? His ambition has weakened the party.”

However, Northern elder statesman and former secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, sees the proposed alliance as a natural evolution of democratic politics.

“There’s nothing surprising here. They’ve worked together before,” Sani said. “Whether this new arrangement will succeed depends on many factors—including the growing strength of the APC in the South-South and the solid alliance between the North-West and South-West, which dominate voter numbers.”

Meanwhile, a close associate of Obi and secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, kept his cards close to his chest but emphasized the need for strategic unity.

“To beat Tinubu in 2027, we must be deliberate,” he said. “We are still in Labour Party, but we’re exploring options. The LP has its own internal challenges, but we believe it will survive.”

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Why Wike Says 2027 Presidential Election Is Already Decided