Fresh political permutations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election are gaining momentum, as multiple sources have confirmed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may have offered Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, a vice-presidential slot on a joint ticket.
According to insiders privy to ongoing coalition talks, Atiku and Obi met earlier this year in the United Kingdom, where the idea of a single-term presidency was floated. The arrangement would see Atiku run for president once again, this time committing to a single four-year term with Obi as his running mate.
The development is seen as a strategic move to consolidate opposition forces and mount a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Atiku and Obi last ran together under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019, but went separate ways in 2023 when Obi defected to the Labour Party and emerged as a third-force candidate.
Sources say while Obi is open to the alliance, he is cautiously working to secure the approval of his loyal base and Labour Party stakeholders before making any public commitment.
Both political figures were part of a recently announced coalition of opposition leaders, including former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
