Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his willingness to support Peter Obi for the presidency in 2027 if the party decides to nominate him. In a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service, Atiku emphasized his commitment to party decisions and potential alliances for the future.
Atiku stated, “I have said repeatedly, even before the 2023 general elections, that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or specifically to the South-East, I won’t contest it. As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him.”
He also hinted at the possibility of a merger between the PDP and the Labour Party, suggesting that collaborative efforts could be in the works. Atiku mentioned that his recent meeting with Peter Obi could signal an emerging alliance leading up to the 2027 general elections.
Regarding the meeting, Atiku explained, “It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and in the country’s interest.” When asked about the potential for a merger, he replied, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that.”
Addressing concerns that the choice of presidential candidate might complicate merger discussions, Atiku dismissed such worries, saying, “That’s not true. That challenge will not arise. I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t be an issue.”
On his continued involvement in politics, Atiku affirmed his dedication to improving Nigeria. “We can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering, and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place. My age doesn’t stop the young ones from testing their fate. Everybody, irrespective of age, is allowed to aspire to be anybody in society, politically or otherwise.”
When asked about his own presidential ambitions for 2027, Atiku remained non-committal, stating, “That would depend on the decision of my party. I can’t make any categorical statement on that. It’s the duty of the party to decide on the way to go in the next election. Until that time comes, let’s just wait and see how it will turn out.”
Atiku emphasized that meetings with political friends and associates should not necessarily be interpreted as election strategizing. “Currently, we are practising democracy in this country, which we fought for with our blood.”
Last week, Obi held a private meeting with Atiku and other PDP leaders in Abuja. He also met separately with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, sparking speculation about a possible coalition for the 2027 elections.
Obi, who was a PDP member until 2022, left to pursue his presidential ambitions with the Labour Party. In the February 2023 presidential election, he finished third behind Atiku and the eventual winner, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress. Atiku blamed Obi’s departure from the PDP for his loss to Tinubu, noting that the combined votes of both candidates could have secured a win against Tinubu.
This recent public interaction between Obi and Atiku marks a significant step toward potential future collaboration, with social media abuzz with viral photos of their meetings. In 2019, Atiku and Obi ran together on the PDP ticket but were defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. Despite past differences, the meetings suggest a renewed willingness to unite for the 2027 elections.
