Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that he would fully support Peter Obi if the PDP nominates him as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, Atiku reiterated his commitment to party decisions, emphasizing that he would not contest if the party decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South-East and select Obi.
Atiku remarked, “I have consistently said that if the PDP chooses to zone the presidential ticket to the South or specifically the South-East, I will not contest it. I ran for the 2023 ticket because it was open to all party members. If Peter Obi is the chosen candidate in 2027, I will support him without hesitation.”
He also hinted at a possible merger between the PDP and Labour Party, suggesting that collaboration between opposition parties could strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku’s recent meeting with Obi and other PDP leaders has fueled speculation about a potential alliance for the 2027 elections.
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Addressing the meeting, Atiku stated, “It was a routine friendly meeting among opposition members, beneficial for Nigeria’s democracy. A merger is possible if we aim for a common goal, and nothing should prevent it.”
Atiku dismissed concerns that the choice of a presidential candidate could hinder merger discussions.
“That won’t be an issue. The selection process will be smooth and won’t obstruct any potential alliance,”
“We cannot remain silent while people suffer. I am committed to making Nigeria better. Age should not prevent anyone from aspiring to political positions,” he asserted.
Regarding his own 2027 presidential ambitions, Atiku deferred to the PDP’s decision-making process.
“The party will determine our direction for the next election. It’s premature to make any definitive statements now. We must wait and see how things unfold.”
He clarified that his political engagements should not be seen as electioneering.
“Meetings with political allies are part of practicing democracy, not necessarily a sign of eyeing elections,” he explained.
Last week, Obi had a private meeting with Atiku and other PDP leaders in Abuja, including former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
This has led to increased speculation about a coalition for the 2027 elections.
Obi, a former PDP member, left the party in 2022 to run as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate.
He finished third in the 2023 election, behind Atiku and the winner, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Atiku attributed his loss to Obi’s departure from the PDP, suggesting that their combined votes could have defeated Tinubu.
This recent meeting marked the first public interaction between Atiku and Obi since the 2023 election, and it has generated considerable discussion on social media and online platforms.
In 2019, Atiku and Obi ran together on the PDP ticket but were defeated by then-President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
Internal party conflicts eventually led Obi to pursue his presidential ambitions with the Labour Party in 2023.
