Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed his willingness to support Peter Obi if the PDP decides to nominate him as their presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Atiku made this statement during a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service, emphasizing his commitment to party decisions.
“I have said repeatedly and I even said it 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,” Atiku stated.
He further added, “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.”
Atiku also hinted at the possibility of a merger between the PDP and the Labour Party, suggesting that their recent meetings might indicate a potential alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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,” Atiku said regarding his recent meeting with Obi.
He continued, “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.”
Atiku dismissed concerns that the choice of a presidential candidate could hinder the merger discussions, stating, “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.”
Discussing his continued involvement in politics, Atiku noted, “Yes, we can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place. It means you are not tired of politics of Nigeria? Not at all. I am still in active politics in Nigeria, at least, as long as God permits.”
Regarding his own potential candidacy in the 2027 presidential election, Atiku said, “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.”
Last week, Obi held a private meeting with Atiku and other PDP leaders in Abuja, sparking speculation about a possible coalition for the 2027 general elections. Obi also met separately with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
In 2019, Atiku and Obi ran together on the PDP ticket but were defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. Obi left the PDP in 2022 to pursue his presidential ambitions with the Labour Party, finishing third in the February 23 presidential election, behind Atiku and the winner, Bola Tinubu of the APC.
Analysts have argued that Atiku’s 6,984,520 votes combined with Obi’s 6,101,533 votes could have secured a win against Tinubu, who received 8,794,726 votes. Atiku blamed Obi’s departure from the PDP for his loss to Tinubu.
The recent meetings between Obi and prominent PDP figures have fueled discussions about a strategic alliance that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
