Atiku and Peter Obi Reportedly Exploring Formation of New Political Party for 2027 Elections

Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) flagbearer, are reportedly in talks to establish a new political party ahead of the 2027 elections. According to sources, the two leaders recently met to deliberate on creating a fresh political platform and are expected to meet again on November 30 in Yola, Adamawa State.

The upcoming meeting, coinciding with Atiku’s 78th birthday celebration, will see Obi serving as the keynote speaker at an event hosted at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), an institution owned by Atiku. This gathering is said to underscore the cordial relationship between the two political figures, even after their defeat to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections.

Reports suggest that Atiku and Obi’s discussions revolve around forming a new political party to address internal issues plaguing their respective platforms. A spokesperson for the duo acknowledged the potential merger but declined to provide specific details, as discussions are ongoing.

The PDP has been embroiled in a prolonged internal crisis. Its current national chairman, Umar Damagum, is closely aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Wike, a prominent critic of Atiku’s presidential bid, had openly supported Tinubu during the 2023 elections, creating a significant rift within the party. This division has left the PDP grappling with challenges in maintaining unity and rebuilding its political momentum.

Similarly, the Labour Party has faced its share of internal strife. Tensions between Peter Obi and the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure, have reportedly strained the party’s organizational cohesion. These challenges have raised questions about the Labour Party’s readiness to consolidate its gains from the 2023 elections and effectively position itself as a credible alternative for 2027.

The collaboration between Atiku and Obi represents more than just a strategic alliance; it signals a possible realignment of Nigeria’s political landscape. Discussions are reportedly gaining momentum, with the involvement of key political players such as former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. If successful, the formation of a new political party could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics, offering a fresh alternative to the APC and existing opposition platforms.

Election preparations are set to commence in just over a year, giving Atiku and Obi a limited window to finalize their plans and mobilize support. Their potential alliance could attract disenchanted members from the PDP, Labour Party, and other smaller political groups, creating a formidable coalition for the 2027 elections.

The scheduled meeting in Yola will likely serve as both a strategic discussion and a symbolic gesture of unity between the two leaders. By aligning their efforts, Atiku and Obi aim to leverage their combined political influence to address Nigeria’s pressing issues and provide a credible alternative to the APC-led administration.

As the talks progress, political observers are closely monitoring developments, recognizing that the outcome could significantly impact Nigeria’s political trajectory. Whether the proposed alliance materializes or not, the discussions highlight the evolving strategies of opposition leaders in their quest to shape the future of the nation.