With roughly 450 days to the 2027 presidential election, political alignments are accelerating across Nigeria’s opposition blocs as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar intensifies consultations to build a coalition capable of challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Party insiders within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) told new daily prime reporter that Atiku’s camp is evaluating potential running mates from the South as part of its early strategy for the polls. According to multiple sources, Atiku’s team is again wooing Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, for a possible joint ticket.
In the 2023 elections, Atiku finished second and Obi came third. Both men previously ran together on the PDP ticket in 2019 but lost to then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar
Amaechi Emerges as Alternative Option for Atiku
Sources also disclosed that if Obi hesitates, Atiku may turn to former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as a fallback running-mate option. Amaechi, a key figure in mobilising northern support for Buhari in 2015, is believed to have regained influence within parts of the opposition.
An aide close to Amaechi confirmed that he is “actively eyeing” the ADC presidential ticket, although discussions remain fluid. Another political associate suggested that Amaechi could accept a vice-presidential slot if a path to securing the ADC nomination appears unlikely.
Dele Momodu: “Only an Atiku–Obi Alliance Can Challenge Tinubu”
Media publisher and PDP chieftain Dele Momodu told The Punch in a recent interview that the most potent opposition force remains an Atiku–Obi alliance, urging both men to move quickly.
“I have told Peter Obi several times—if he does not take advantage of a ready-made union between him and Atiku, it would be very unfortunate,” he said. “Refusal to unite is as good as working for Tinubu to return.”
Momodu warned that internal resistance from segments of Obi’s base could complicate negotiations, adding that prolonged delays might push Atiku toward Amaechi.
He also cautioned that defeating an incumbent president requires speed and cohesion, arguing that Tinubu is consolidating influence using the advantages of office.
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Reacting to the ongoing discussions, Yunusa Tanko, spokesperson for Obi and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, reaffirmed that Obi is prepared to contest the 2027 election. However, he stressed that any alliance with Atiku must be guided by a “clear, structured agreement.”
Tanko insisted that a southern candidate offers the strongest chance of defeating Tinubu, noting that the presidency has already rotated to the South and should be completed by another four-year term. He added that Obi remains committed to serving a single term if elected.
Within the ADC, the prospect of an Atiku–Obi or Atiku–Amaechi ticket has sparked mixed reactions, with party stakeholders cautious yet open to negotiations. Key aides to Amaechi, including David Iyofor, declined comments when contacted.
Analysts say both Atiku and Obi are running against time. With the ruling APC strengthening its national structure and Tinubu leveraging incumbency, the opposition’s ability to form a united bloc may shape the outcome of the 2027 race.
Atiku is now settled within the ADC, while Obi has yet to formally announce his political platform. The coming months, observers say, will determine whether Nigeria’s opposition can forge a cohesive front—or enter the 2027 contest as divided as it did in 2023.
