The political camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer Peter Obi have both dismissed speculation of a potential joint ticket for the 2027 elections. The rumors emerged after a viral video showed the two leaders meeting for breakfast in Adamawa State, sparking discussions about a possible collaboration in the upcoming election cycle.
The video, posted by Atiku on his official X account on Saturday, depicted the former vice president hosting Obi at his residence. In the video, Atiku and Obi were seen seated together at a dining table, ready to share a meal. Atiku captioned the post, “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty,” further fueling speculation about a potential alliance.
However, despite the buzz, both political figures and their camps have been quick to clarify that the meeting was not politically motivated. Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, explained that the breakfast meeting was more of a reunion between two longtime friends. Ibe emphasized that Obi had been invited to the event to deliver a speech at the 20th anniversary of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), an institution founded by Atiku.
Ibe stated, “Let us not jump the gun. The fact is that Obi accepted to be the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of AUN and the 16th Founder’s Day, which was a milestone. Obi is part of that celebration. The university was founded by Atiku Abubakar, who was more like his host. But people think it is because of politics. We all know our friends. The truth is that politics cannot separate friends.”
This clarification comes after a previous statement by Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Spokesman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who had revealed in a political program that the leading opposition figures in Nigeria were in discussions about a potential merger. Abdullahi suggested that Atiku, Obi, and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso might set aside their differences to form a powerful alliance to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, in light of Saturday’s meeting, Ibe sought to distance the gathering from political discussions. He further explained that the breakfast was a simple occasion between friends, adding, “Atiku invited him to breakfast and from there, they went for the programme. I think that is what happened.”
Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, also joined the chorus of denials regarding any political implications of the meeting. Umar dismissed the idea of a 2027 joint ticket as “laughable,” stressing that the gathering had no political undertones. He pointed out, “No, there was nothing like that. They just invited him (Obi) to deliver a speech there. It has nothing to do with politics. Of course, you know people will always assume things.”
Despite the official denials, the meeting of two prominent political figures has not failed to capture the public’s imagination. The speculation about a possible alliance has stirred conversations across social media and the political landscape, as many observers question whether a partnership between Atiku and Obi might offer a viable challenge to the current administration in the next election.
