An associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his principal is willing to work with the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a bid to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, who emerged second in the 2023 presidential election with 6,984,520 votes, has consistently expressed his resolve to lead a formidable opposition capable of challenging the All Progressives Congress in the next electoral cycle.
President Tinubu’s path to a second term appears increasingly fraught, with mounting opposition not only from rival parties but also from disenchanted figures within the APC.
Notable among these are former Attorney General Abubakar Malami and ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
Also, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai recently renounced his APC membership, criticised the Tinubu administration, and joined the Social Democratic Party.
He has since called on like-minded Nigerians to unite in ousting the APC in 2027.
El-Rufai’s move has sparked fresh speculation of a broad political realignment, with sources close to Atiku suggesting that behind-the-scenes coalition talks are gaining momentum.
Speaking exclusively to newsmen, an associate of Atiku who pleaded anonymity because “It is too early to reveal much for now,” said the two opposition figures, having realised that they need each other to realise their dream of good governance in the country, have resolved to work together.
“There is no doubt that they have learned their lessons and are ready to work together. They now realise that to defeat Tinubu, they cannot go it alone,” the source said.
“Data from the 2023 election shows Atiku won in 12 states with over six million votes, while Obi claimed 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Combined, their votes would have clearly surpassed Tinubu’s eight-plus million. That’s why serious meetings are already ongoing, though quietly.”
The source further accused President Tinubu of playing divisive politics, claiming that such tactics contributed to El-Rufai’s defection.
“Tinubu is attempting to play the North against the South, assuming he can build a winning coalition. But he’s mistaken — that’s part of why El-Rufai left.”
News Express
