Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has suggested that he may support his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, in the 2027 election. The former Vice President, who is currently engaged in merger talks with stakeholders from various opposition parties, indicated his willingness to back Obi if his party nominates the former Anambra governor.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, as reported by The Sun, Atiku elaborated on the potential for a coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. He confirmed recent closed-door meetings with Obi, which have fueled speculation about a merger of opposition parties.
“We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that,” Atiku stated. He emphasized his commitment to party decisions, saying, “If the new party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him.”
Atiku reiterated his stance on party loyalty, adding, “I have said repeatedly, and I even said it before the 2023 general elections, that if PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it. As long as it is the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.”
This development highlights the evolving political landscape as opposition parties strategize to challenge the APC’s dominance in the upcoming election.
