Atiku Abubakar indicates that he would be willing to back Peter Obi in the 2027 election

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POLITICS

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President, has stated that he will support the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate in their bid to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election, on certain conditions.

In 2022, Obi was associated with the PDP. He then joined the Labour Party to run for president. In the presidential election held on February 23, Obi came in third after Atiku. The winner was Bola Tinubu of the APC. Atiku claimed that Obi’s exit from the PDP contributed to his defeat by Tinubu.

As at last week, Obi had confidential discussions with Atiku and several PDP leaders in Abuja.

Additionally, Obi met independently with Sule Lamido, the former Jigawa governor, and Bukola Saraki, the former Senate President. These meetings have fueled rumors of a potential alliance for the 2027 national elections.

In a recent interview on BBC Hausa, Atiku Abubakar expressed that if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) determines that it is the South-East’s turn to hold the presidency in the 2027 election, he would support Peter Obi’s candidacy.

During the previous general elections, I have several times made it clear that in case the PDP decided to zone the presidential ticket to South Nigeria or more specifically, the South east, I will not be a contestant. All I care about is that when the party makes a decision, I will abide by such a decision, I contested for the 2023 Presidential ticket simply because it was declared open for all members of the Party.

Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President, expressed his willingness to support Peter Obi as the presidential candidate of their party if the party chooses the South-East as the next region to produce the candidate.

He hinted that his recent meeting with Obi could suggest a potential political partnership for the 2027 presidential election.

Regarding the meeting with Obi, Atiku stated that it was an ordinary social gathering common among opposition party members. He emphasized that such encounters are beneficial for Nigerian democracy and in the best interests of the nation.

When asked about the possibility of a merger, Atiku replied that it is highly feasible. He explained that parties can unite to pursue a shared objective, and that if desired, no obstacles can prevent it.

The former Vice President dismissed fears that the selection of a presidential candidate could hinder merger negotiations, stating that the choice of the party’s standard-bearer would not pose an impediment.

Regarding his continued involvement in politics, he explained that he felt an obligation to speak out against injustices and work towards improving the nation’s well-being, as many people were struggling.