The All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) are contemplating forming an alternative political platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Potential Merger Talks
Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, has indicated the possibility of stepping down for Peter Obi in the next election. Speaking to the BBC Hausa Service, Atiku confirmed that merger talks are ongoing with LP and other opposition parties. He reiterated his previous stance, saying, “I have said repeatedly and I even said it before 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. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.”
Atiku further expressed his willingness to support Peter Obi if he is chosen as the candidate, stating, “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.”
APC’s Stance
Responding to these developments, Nze Chidi Duru, the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the APC, emphasized that the ruling party is not troubled by the potential merger of opposition figures. He highlighted the importance of a strong opposition for the health of democracy, stating, “It will be helpful if we have an effective and efficient opposition in the country to help to provide the alternative view. APC and Nigeria would be better for it.”
Duru acknowledged the role of opposition parties in offering constructive criticism and alternative views, which he believes would benefit both the APC and the country. “For me, we will continue to hope that opposition parties will rise to the occasion to give a formidable and constructive engagement to our political party. It is theirs to provide such opposition and it is for us in the APC to continue to take the lead.”
Good Luck to the Opposition
The APC’s stance is to welcome the challenge posed by a strong opposition, with Duru wishing them well in their efforts. “We wish the opposition well. We will continue to work harder to attend to the needs of the Nigerian people. We wish them good luck.”
He also mentioned previous instances where similar discussions had occurred, noting that the Labour Party had dismissed the idea of such engagements as “unholy.”
Conclusion
The APC remains confident in its position and leadership, viewing the potential collaboration among opposition leaders as a healthy development for Nigeria’s democratic process. The ruling party continues to focus on addressing the needs of the Nigerian people while welcoming the constructive role that a united opposition could play in the political landscape leading up to the 2027 elections.
