Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu, Reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
In a move that has sparked widespread speculation, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar met with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate from the 2023 general elections, earlier this week in Abuja.
The unexpected meeting has ignited discussions about a potential merger of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During an interview with BBC Hausa Service, closely monitored by Truth Live News, Atiku Abubakar shed light on the nature and purpose of the meeting. “It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly we in the opposition parties,” Atiku explained. “Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and for the country’s interest.”
When pressed about the possibility of an alliance between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, Atiku confirmed that it is indeed a potential strategy. “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 so wish to achieve that,” he asserted.
Concerns about the choice of a presidential candidate potentially derailing the alliance were dismissed by Atiku. “That challenge will not arise,” he stated confidently. “I can tell you that the choice of who will fly the flag of the party won’t arise.”
Addressing the scenario where both he and Peter Obi might have to step aside to support another candidate, Atiku reiterated his commitment to party decisions. “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’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it.”
When asked if he would support Peter Obi if he were chosen as the candidate from the South-East, Atiku responded affirmatively. “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.”