In a dramatic twist that could reshape Nigeria’s 2027 political landscape, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly offered Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the vice presidential slot on a proposed unity ticket — with a promise to serve only one term in office.
According to a PUNCH report, the high-stakes proposal was made earlier this year during a discreet meeting between the two political heavyweights in the United Kingdom. Sources privy to the conversation disclosed that Atiku not only floated the idea of a joint ticket but also assured Obi that he would step down after a single four-year term — paving the way for Obi to take the reins in 2031.
“Atiku and Obi met earlier this year in the UK. That was where Atiku first mooted the idea of a coalition and urged Obi to be his running mate,” a source familiar with the matter revealed. “Obi then asked for time to think it over and consult his loyalists.”
Another insider claimed the deal is close to being sealed. “Recent developments indicate that Obi has tentatively agreed to the arrangement. Both men are willing to sign a written pact to formalize the one-term presidency promise. Obi is currently engaging his core supporters to finalize the move before any formal announcement.”
This potential alliance marks a political déjà vu — rekindling memories of their joint ticket in the 2019 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which ultimately lost to former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, with internal rifts rocking both the PDP and the Labour Party, insiders say the coalition may be considering the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an alternative political platform.
“The Social Democratic Party was initially part of the equation,” a source said, “but APC operatives have reportedly infiltrated the party, forcing coalition leaders to now tilt towards the ADC.”
“There’s already quiet movement,” the source added. “Some loyalists are in talks with ADC leadership, and others have joined silently. If things fall apart in PDP and LP, they will switch fully to ADC.”
While Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, declined to confirm the VP offer or single-term agreement, he acknowledged that coalition talks are underway.
“I know His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have been engaged in coalition discussions. I can’t speak on specific terms, but both are focused on building a formidable, inclusive alliance capable of dislodging the rudderless APC administration in 2027.”
Peter Ahmeh, a close Obi confidant and National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), also withheld confirmation of the single-term pact but acknowledged that discussions are happening behind the scenes.
“No comment on that for now. I’ll speak after I consult with my boss,” Ahmeh told PUNCH. “What’s clear is that if we are serious about defeating APC, we must play by the rules and avoid giving Tinubu an unchallenged grip on the South. Obi has what it takes to stop that.”
“We’re still with Labour Party at the moment, and it remains the best platform to accommodate a broad spectrum of Nigerians. You can’t sleep in a hostile environment and hope to win,” he added.
Meanwhile, Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, denied knowledge of any such arrangement, saying, “After my last meeting with him in Benin, nothing like this was on the table.”
ADC Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed that his party has been in touch with key political figures regarding a coalition but refused to disclose whether Atiku or Obi had made direct overtures.
“The ADC has engaged with all major stakeholders — even those within the APC — as part of efforts to build a credible alternative political force,” Nwosu said.
If finalized, an Atiku-Obi reunion under a united banner could trigger seismic shifts in Nigeria’s political dynamics, potentially forging the most potent opposition coalition yet against the APC’s 2027 ambition.
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