Atiku Reportedly Offers Peter Obi VP Slot for 2027 With One-Term Promise: Inside the Emerging Alliance to Unseat Tinubu

 

There are growing reports that a powerful political alliance is being formed behind the scenes—one that could potentially reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election. According to The PUNCH, reliable sources have revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has offered Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State, the position of running mate on a joint presidential ticket.

This proposal, which has generated widespread political buzz across the country, reportedly includes a major commitment from Atiku: he would serve only one term in office if elected president, and subsequently hand over power to Peter Obi in 2031.

“Obi has accepted the VP slot, and Atiku is ready to serve a single term. They’ve agreed to put this in writing if necessary, but Obi wants full buy-in from his camp before any public declaration,” a source reportedly told The PUNCH.

The Atiku-Obi Meeting in the UK: A Strategic Discussion

This significant proposal is believed to have originated during a private meeting between Atiku and Peter Obi earlier in 2024. The meeting, which reportedly took place in the United Kingdom, was conducted away from the public eye, allowing both political heavyweights to speak candidly about their vision for Nigeria and the path forward to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with the meeting suggest that Atiku made it clear he intends to run one last time in 2027 but would only commit to a single four-year term in order to pave the way for generational leadership and unity among Nigeria’s fractured opposition. The former Vice President believes that by offering this concession, he can bring together disparate political camps and forge a coalition strong enough to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Peter Obi, known for his prudent leadership and reformist credentials, reportedly agreed to the proposal in principle but requested additional time to consult with his inner circle and loyal supporters before giving his final consent. As a politician with a strong grassroots base, especially among Nigerian youth and urban voters, Obi is keen to ensure that any alliance reflects the values of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness that he champions.

A History of Political Partnership

This wouldn’t be the first time Atiku and Obi joined forces on a national ticket. In the 2019 general election, Peter Obi was Atiku’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite mounting a strong campaign, the pair lost to then-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. Since then, Obi has charted his own path, becoming the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, where he finished third behind Tinubu and Atiku but garnered widespread acclaim, particularly among Nigeria’s youth and first-time voters.

The possibility of rekindling this alliance for 2027—this time with more strategic clarity and long-term planning—has ignited new hope among opposition supporters.

The 2024 Coalition: A United Front for 2027

The potential Atiku-Obi ticket is part of a broader movement to unify the opposition in preparation for the 2027 elections. On March 20, 2024, a new political coalition was unveiled, bringing together Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other influential politicians across various party lines.

The goal of this coalition is simple yet ambitious: to dethrone President Bola Tinubu and end the APC’s grip on power.

While the public announcement of the coalition was met with excitement in some quarters, it also stirred internal crises within both the PDP and Labour Party (LP). Party insiders say negotiations are ongoing to secure the commitment of key stakeholders, unify the political messaging, and finalize the structure of the alliance.

A political strategist close to the talks told PUNCH,

“By this time next year, presidential candidates will begin to emerge. The leaders understand the urgency, and that only a united front led by Atiku, Obi, and others can defeat Tinubu.”

Platform of Unity: PDP, Labour, or ADC?

One of the key issues being deliberated upon is the political platform under which this joint ticket will run. With both the PDP and LP dealing with leadership tussles, legal battles, and internal divisions, neither party currently offers a stable foundation for a presidential campaign of this magnitude.

Initially, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was considered as a potential neutral platform. However, according to reports, concerns were raised that the SDP may have been compromised or infiltrated by the ruling APC, leading the coalition to explore other alternatives.

This has led to growing interest in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a relatively smaller party but one with national registration and an existing political structure. Quiet meetings have reportedly been held with the ADC leadership, and some members of the Atiku-Obi alliance have already begun joining the party discreetly.

“The Social Democratic Party was considered initially, but there are concerns the APC may have infiltrated it. Now the ADC is gaining traction. Meetings have been held with the ADC leadership, and some loyalists have already joined quietly,” the source added.

Will the Alliance Hold?

While the idea of a unified opposition front is appealing on paper, there are still significant hurdles to overcome. Political analysts argue that for the alliance to be successful, trust must be rebuilt, not only between Atiku and Obi but also among their various support bases.

Peter Obi’s supporters, especially members of the “Obidient” movement, may be skeptical of returning to a partnership with PDP stalwarts. Many supported Obi in 2023 specifically because he broke away from the old political order, offering a refreshing alternative to Nigeria’s entrenched political elite.

Meanwhile, Atiku’s loyalists must also grapple with the reality that their principal may step aside after just four years to allow Obi to lead. This transition plan, though promising, could stir internal power struggles if not handled delicately.

However, those close to both leaders insist that the deal is rooted in a shared vision for a better Nigeria—one that prioritizes national unity, economic revival, and good governance.

What This Means for the 2027 Presidential Election

As Nigeria inches closer to another crucial election cycle, the political atmosphere is heating up. The Tinubu administration continues to face criticism over economic hardship, insecurity, and the rising cost of living, creating an opening for a strong opposition.

The Atiku-Obi coalition, if successfully finalized, could become the biggest political story of the 2027 election and pose a formidable challenge to the ruling party. With Atiku’s national name recognition and Obi’s energetic youth base, this ticket could galvanize voters from both the north and south of Nigeria.

If this alliance materializes, it could significantly shift Nigeria’s political narrative. More importantly, it might finally break the cycle of fragmented opposition politics, which has repeatedly handed electoral victories to the APC since 2015.

Final Thoughts

The potential partnership between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi is still in its early stages, but it is undoubtedly one of the most significant political developments in Nigeria as we look ahead to 2027. As consultations continue and details emerge, NaijaRush will continue to bring you exclusive updates, analysis, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Whether this partnership will deliver a new era for Nigeria or become another missed opportunity depends on how well both camps manage expectations, resolve differences, and communicate their shared vision to the Nigerian people.

Stay tuned to NaijaRush.com for all the latest on the 2027 Nigerian presidential election, opposition alliances, and national political trends.