Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have dismissed speculations about a joint ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. This follows a viral breakfast meeting between the two political heavyweights in Adamawa State.
Truth Live News gathered that Atiku Abubakar shared a video from the meeting on his X account, captioned: “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty.’” The video showed the two leaders and others seated at a dining table in what appeared to be a casual and friendly setting.
Political Context
The reunion comes on the heels of remarks by PDP Deputy National Spokesman Ibrahim Abdullahi earlier this year. On Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Abdullahi suggested that Atiku, Obi, and NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso were in talks to form a political coalition aimed at challenging the ruling APC in 2027. This fueled widespread speculation about Saturday’s meeting.
Camp Responses
Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, clarified the nature of the meeting, stating it was merely a reunion between friends. Obi had been invited as the keynote speaker for the 20th anniversary and 16th Founder’s Day celebration of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), founded by Atiku.
“Politics cannot separate friends,” Ibe said, emphasizing that the breakfast was not politically motivated.
Similarly, Obi’s aide, Ibrahim Umar, dismissed assumptions of a political undertone, describing the speculation as “laughable.” According to Umar, the meeting was solely about the Founder’s Day celebration, with no ties to a potential 2027 ticket.
Public Reactions and Punditry
Despite denials from both camps, political observers believe the meeting could be an early indicator of strategic alliances forming ahead of the next election cycle. Some see the breakfast meeting as a precursor to broader political collaboration, even if no official announcements have been made.
Analysis
The breakfast might not signify immediate political moves, but its timing and visibility underscore the shifting dynamics in Nigeria’s opposition politics. As the 2027 elections draw closer, reunions like these could lay the groundwork for coalitions that aim to unseat the APC.
For now, the meeting serves as a reminder of the complexities of Nigerian politics, where even casual interactions among political figures spark intense speculation.