Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA, Nigeria — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has publicly discredited recent speculation that he has pulled out of the 2027 presidential contest or plans to step aside in favour of former Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi, insisting he remains a contender and that discussions about support for other aspirants are being mischaracterised. The clarification comes as political commentary intensifies around opposition coalition dynamics and strategic alliances ahead of the next general election.
Earlier reports and analysis had fuelled rumours that Atiku’s involvement in discussions with figures such as Obi — including friendly meetings and coalition‑building talks — signalled a possible retreat from the presidential race to bolster a unified opposition ticket. Some commentators and party supporters suggested that Atiku might support Obi’s bid, or that a joint ticket could emerge with Atiku as a one‑term president and Obi later taking the lead. These narratives gained traction amid ongoing coalition negotiations involving multiple opposition leaders seeking to build a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Atiku, however, has consistently denied any intention of withdrawing from the race. In previous interviews, he made clear that his presidential ambitions remain active and tied to the internal decisions of his political party. He pointed out that while he has discussed broad cooperation with Obi and others, that does not equate to abandoning his own bid. Atiku noted that such meetings represent healthy democratic engagement among opposition figures rather than signals of withdrawal, accusing critics of using the speculation to divide opposition forces.
Analysts say the crux of the misunderstanding stems from Atiku’s past comments regarding how he would respond if his party — historically the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — zoned its ticket to the South‑East and chose Obi as its candidate. In a 2024 interview, Atiku said he would abide by his party’s decision if it decided to zone its ticket to the South or South‑East, and indicated he could support another aspirant in such a scenario. This statement has since been amplified by some commentators as a sign of withdrawal, despite Atiku’s clarification that his remarks were contingent on internal party processes rather than a personal exit from the contest.
The political landscape in Nigeria’s 2027 race remains fluid. Both Atiku and Obi have been linked to discussions with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition elements looking to form a coalition capable of challenging the APC’s hold on power. While coalition meetings have occurred and opposition leaders have publicly reaffirmed the importance of cooperation, officials from parties involved have stressed that the focus is on national strategy rather than predetermined candidacies. The ADC itself has dismissed claims that its coalition work is designed to favour any single figure, emphasising that leadership decisions will be made through democratic processes rather than assumptions about personal arrangements.
Meanwhile, calls from some quarters for Atiku to step aside and back Obi have emerged, including from factional Labour Party spokespersons who argue that supporting Obi could unite the opposition and improve prospects against the incumbent. Atiku’s camp has rejected these appeals, framing them as divisive tactics that ultimately benefit the ruling party by weakening opposition cohesion.
Political analysts note that much of the current debate reflects broader uncertainty within the opposition about how best to position itself for 2027. Electoral strategists point out that while unity is widely acknowledged as crucial for mounting a serious challenge to the APC, the mechanics of achieving that unity — including determining a presidential candidate — remain unresolved and subject to negotiation among multiple stakeholders with divergent ambitions.
As the election cycle progresses, Atiku’s statement denying withdrawal underscores his intent to stay in the race while leaving open the possibility of cooperation under conditions he describes as respectful of democratic processes. Observers say that how these dynamics evolve will play a significant role in shaping both party strategies and voter perceptions ahead of the 2027 polls.
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