Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly offered Peter Obi the position of vice president in a power-sharing deal ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, met with Atiku earlier this year in the United Kingdom, where the proposal was discussed.
Sources familiar with the talks said Atiku promised to serve only one term if elected and hand over to Obi afterward. Obi has allegedly accepted the offer in principle but continues to consult with his inner circle before making any public statement.
Their renewed alliance could mark a political reunion. Recall that Obi served as Atiku’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019, when they lost to Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Due to ongoing internal crises within both the PDP and Labour Party, sources say Atiku and Obi are exploring alternative platforms. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has emerged as a possible vehicle. Some supporters have already met with ADC leaders, while others have quietly joined the party.
“The Social Democratic Party was considered, but the APC appears to have infiltrated it. So they’re now leaning towards ADC,” a source disclosed.
In March, Atiku, Obi, and former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai unveiled plans for a political coalition. Their goal: to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. However, the coalition has not been formally launched.
A political insider explained that preparations are still in progress.
“By May 2026, most parties will have unveiled their candidates. Atiku, Obi, and others believe that only a united front can defeat Tinubu. That’s why they’re carefully planning every step,” he said.
The insider also described the UK meeting as critical to the entire arrangement.
“Atiku proposed the coalition and offered Obi the VP slot. Obi asked for time to consult, but recent moves suggest he has agreed. Atiku has also confirmed he’ll serve only one term. Both men plan to sign a formal agreement if necessary.”
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Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, confirmed ongoing coalition talks but declined to discuss any specific deal.
“I can confirm that Atiku and Obi are discussing a coalition. But I can’t comment on any final agreement. Their main focus is building a broad coalition to unseat the APC in 2027,” he said.
Peter Ahmeh, a close ally of Obi and secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, also declined to confirm the alliance.
“No comment until I speak with my oga. We’re still in Labour Party for now. You can’t sleep in a hostile environment and expect success,” he said.
Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, denied knowledge of any Atiku-Obi ticket.
“After our last meeting in Benin, there was no such discussion. He hasn’t mentioned it to me,” he stated.
Meanwhile, ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed discussions with major political figures, including those within the APC.
“We’re in active talks with key opposition leaders and even some within the government. We’ll announce major developments before the end of this week,” he revealed.
