As political alignments begin to shift ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, emerging reports indicate that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is preparing to formally declare his intention to contest the presidency once again — this time, determined not to take a supporting role.
According to information gathered by Naturenex, this move comes after unsuccessful coalition discussions between Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Atiku’s camp was said to have suggested that Obi run alongside him as his vice-presidential candidate, a position Obi previously held in 2019 under the PDP.
Sources with knowledge of the situation told The Guardian that Obi is expected to make his 2027 presidential bid official within days and could also announce a new political platform under which he plans to run.
Meanwhile, Atiku is reportedly in advanced talks to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), backed by influential former CPC figures, including Nasir El-Rufai and Abubakar Malami.
Insiders revealed that Atiku has already reached a tentative understanding with the ADC and may contest under its platform should efforts to unite opposition forces with Obi collapse.
Dr. Chekwas Okorie, the founding national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), emphasized that the South-East and members of the Obidient Movement would outrightly oppose any agreement relegating Obi to a deputy position, stressing that Obi is now widely regarded as a front-runner in national politics.
Okorie confirmed Obi’s readiness to announce his ambition publicly within the week. “I am in a position to know. Peter Obi will not run as anyone’s running mate. He led his team in a three-day meeting with Atiku’s team, and they could not agree on the vice-presidential offer being speculated in the media,” he revealed.
He added, “Obi has achieved a level of political mileage that cannot be subsumed under another candidate. Within the week, he will present himself as a presidential contender and may unveil the party platform he intends to use.”
Okorie also hinted at a wider political shake-up, suggesting that the ADC leadership might soon experience changes as part of arrangements involving Atiku. “The new ADC will include a substantial part of the old CPC network. This is shaping up into a three-horse race for 2027,” he noted.
When approached by The Guardian, ADC’s national chairman, Chief Nwosu, confirmed that various political figures had been in contact with the party but withheld specific details regarding Atiku’s rumored defection. He added that the party’s presidential candidate would be chosen through its primary and national convention.
While speculation over a possible running mate deal lingers, both Obi’s and Atiku’s camps have dismissed such claims, describing them as “speculative” and the work of “fifth columnists.” Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, affirmed that talks are ongoing among opposition figures to build a broader alliance but stressed that the final decision rests with the electorate.
At a recent event in Abuja, Peter Obi addressed the swirling reports, clarifying, “The only coalition I’m in is the coalition against hunger, poverty, and poor education. Politics for me is not about position — it’s about doing the right thing.”
