The Federal Government has dismissed the planned alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.
According to the Presidency, President Bola Tinubu is not bothered about the planned alliance, noting that the President was not losing sleep over alliance plots by Atiku and Obi.
Atiku had contested the presidency in 2023 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party but lost. Obi also contested as a presidential candidate on the platform of the Labour Party and came third in the election.
Last week, Obi held a private meeting with Atiku and some other PDP leaders in Abuja. Obi also met separately with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, sparking speculations about a possible coalition for the 2027 general elections.
However, in an interview on Friday, Atiku stated that if the PDP decided in 2027 that it was the South-East’s turn to field the presidential candidate and selected Obi, he would readily offer his support.
“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. 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,” Atiku declared in a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service.
He added that a merger between the PDP and LP was possible. Atiku stressed that party members would decide their fate in the 2027 general elections. The former Vice President mentioned that his recent meeting with Obi might indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 general elections.
Responding to questions about the meeting with Obi, Atiku said, “It was 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.”
On whether it would bring about a merger, he said, “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, who denied that the choice of presidential candidate might frustrate the merger discussion, said, “That is 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.”
On why he was still in active politics, Atiku said, “We can’t keep quiet and watch things go wrong. People are suffering, and we are committed to making Nigeria a better place.
“I am still in active politics in Nigeria; at least, as long as God permits.
“My age doesn’t stop the young ones from trying their luck. Everybody, irrespective of age, is allowed to aspire to be anything in society, politically or otherwise.”
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