Coalition: Peter Obi on collision with Atiku Abubakar

Obi, El-Rufai, Atiku

Former presidential contender Peter Obi has taken a firm stand ahead of the 2027 elections, stating unequivocally that he will not accept a vice presidential position in any coalition.

His message to potential allies is blunt – he must be the presidential candidate, or he walks out on any coalition involving and the Obedient Movement.

This comes amid high-level discussions led by Atiku Abubakar to form a major opposition alliance.

The effort is pulling together major political players, including Nasir El-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, Rotimi Amaechi, Abubakar Malami, and Idris Wada, with the goal of uniting against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Many believe the former Vice President is likely to emerge as the presidential candidate of the coalition thus putting him on collision with Obi.

A recent strategy session in Abuja, held under the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG), saw the alliance move closer to selecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its unifying platform. ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu noted that final agreements could be made within a few weeks.

Obi’s surprise appearance at the meeting raised eyebrows, especially within the Labour Party, where he is still officially aligned.

LP spokesperson Obiorah Ifoh labeled Obi’s attendance “confusing” and “unacceptable,” maintaining that the party has no plans to merge with others before the next election cycle.

Nonetheless, Obi’s influence remains unmatched within the Obedient Movement. His political associate, Dr. Katchy Ononuju, reiterated that their loyalty is contingent on Obi leading the alliance: “It’s either Obi is the candidate, or we are not interested.”