Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is preparing to officially declare his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, amid reports that a proposed alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has collapsed.
Sources close to the development say Obi’s declaration is imminent, with plans underway to unveil the political platform under which he will run. He is reportedly firm in his decision not to serve as a running mate in any alliance, ruling out a subordinate role in a potential Atiku-led ticket.
The breakdown in talks comes after a recent three-day meeting in London involving representatives from both camps—including a delegation led by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai—ended in a deadlock. Discussions reportedly centered on power-sharing arrangements, with Obi declining a vice-presidential offer.
Dr. Chekwas Okorie, founding chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), confirmed Obi’s decision to go solo. “Peter Obi will not play second fiddle. He is preparing to formally declare his presidential ambition and reveal the party platform,” Okorie said.
Meanwhile, Atiku is believed to be in advanced discussions with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu. There are indications that Atiku may run under the ADC banner if reconciliation with Obi fails.
Okorie hinted that a leadership restructuring within the ADC may be in the works to accommodate Atiku and his allies, including ex-ministers from the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), reportedly aligned with El-Rufai and former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami.
Speaking on the matter, ADC Chairman Nwosu confirmed that the party is in talks with various political actors but emphasized that its 2027 presidential candidate will be determined through a democratic process.
Both the Atiku and Obi camps have denied reports of a potential joint ticket, dismissing such speculation as attempts by “fifth columnists” to derail opposition efforts. Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, reiterated that no running mate offer was made and described the reports as baseless.
“We’re focused on building a broad, credible coalition that can offer Nigerians real leadership. While many details are still being finalized, the process is ongoing and gaining momentum,” Ibe stated.
Obi, on his part, downplayed personal ambition during a recent visit to the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa in Abuja. “I am not in a coalition for position, but a coalition against hunger, poverty, and bad governance,” he said. He also declined to comment directly on rumors of a written one-term agreement with Atiku, instead emphasizing the need to prioritize Nigeria’s core challenges, such as education and healthcare.
