The All Progressives Congress (APC) has addressed reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso are considering forming an alternative political platform for the 2027 elections.
Recent indications suggest that Atiku, who ran as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, may step aside in favor of Obi for the next presidential election.
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Atiku confirmed ongoing merger discussions with the Labour Party and other opposition groups in an interview with BBC Hausa Service.
He 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 South-East specifically, I won’t contest it. As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party. 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.”
In response, APC’s Deputy National Organizing Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, expressed that the ruling party remains unperturbed by these developments.
Duru emphasized the importance of a robust opposition for the health of democracy.
“It will be helpful if we have an effective and efficient opposition in the country to help provide an alternative view. APC and Nigeria would be better for it,” he said.
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Duru added, “We continue to hope that opposition parties will rise to the occasion to provide a formidable and constructive engagement with our political party. It is their responsibility to provide such opposition, and it is for us in the APC to continue to take the lead. We wish the opposition well. We will continue to work harder to address the needs of the Nigerian people.”
He also noted past statements from the Labour Party denying any intention to form such alliances, dismissing them as “unholy engagements.”
