“I won’t hesitate to support Peter Obi in 2027” — Atiku

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar has suggested he might support Peter Obi, his Labour Party counterpart from the last election, in the 2027 race.

The former Vice President, who is currently engaged in merger discussions with stakeholders from various opposition political parties, expressed his willingness to back Obi if the party nominates the former Anambra governor.

In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, as reported by The Sun, Atiku revealed his openness to a potential coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections. He emphasized the importance of unity among opposition parties to achieve this goal.

“We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible and nothing can stop it if we so wish to achieve that,” Atiku stated.

He further elaborated on his stance regarding the potential nomination of Peter Obi,

“If the new party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him. I have said repeatedly, even before the 2023 general elections, that if PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it.”

Atiku explained that his decision to run in the 2023 election was because the PDP had opened the presidential ticket to all party members. However, he affirmed his commitment to abide by the party’s decisions regarding future nominations.

The recent closed-door meeting between Atiku and Obi has fueled speculation about a possible merger of opposition parties in preparation for the 2027 elections.