The Federal Government has brushed aside concerns over a potential alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. The Presidency stated that President Bola Tinubu remains unperturbed by the alliance rumors, focusing instead on governance.
Atiku, who lost the 2023 presidential election on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket, and Obi, who finished third as the Labour Party (LP) candidate, recently held meetings, sparking speculation about a coalition for the 2027 elections. Despite this, President Tinubu’s administration is confident in its achievements and unbothered by these political maneuvers.
Atiku has expressed willingness to support Obi if the PDP chooses him as its 2027 presidential candidate. He reiterated this in a recent BBC Hausa Service interview, emphasizing his readiness to back any party decision favoring the South-East.
The Presidency responded through Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, who emphasized that President Tinubu is focused on his mandate and not concerned with the opposition’s plans. The government highlighted its recent achievements, such as gas infrastructure projects in Imo and Delta states, as proof of its commitment to progress.
Senior presidential aide Bayo Onanuga labeled Atiku and Obi “sore losers,” accusing them of plotting for the next election just one year after their defeat. He asserted that President Tinubu is dedicated to resetting the economy and fulfilling his promises to Nigerians.
APC officials echoed this sentiment, welcoming the potential alliance but expressing skepticism about its feasibility. Deputy National Organizing Secretary Nze Chidi Duru and National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim both doubted the alliance’s potential impact, emphasizing the APC’s confidence in its governance record.
Political experts offered varied perspectives on the potential alliance. Professor Hassan Salisu of the University of Ilorin pointed out internal PDP and LP divisions that could hinder such a coalition. Conversely, Professor Yahaya Baba of Usman Dan Fodiyo University and analyst Jackson Omenazu viewed the alliance as a potential game-changer for the 2027 elections, drawing parallels to the formation of the APC in 2014.
In summary, while the Atiku-Obi alliance could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, the Federal Government and the APC remain focused on their current mandate, confident in their ability to deliver on promises and win future elections.