Paul Ibe, Special Adviser on Media to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed claims that his principal and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have held talks on compromising the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ibe made the clarification on Wednesday while responding to questions during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television.

According to him, both Atiku and Obi are currently focused on building a credible and viable alternative political platform capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than engaging in discussions about stepping down or sharing a presidential ticket.

“Like I said earlier, having that kind of conversation is putting the cart before the horse. Obi and Atiku have not had any such discussion as far as the ADC is concerned,” Ibe said.

He added that the priority remains strengthening the platform, warning that without a solid structure, any presidential ambition would be futile.

“If the platform being created is not robust enough, their aspirations and ambitions will come to nothing. They are working to build a strong platform. Anything outside that is merely a distraction, largely driven by the President Tinubu-led administration,” he stated.

Ibe also recalled Atiku’s earlier position that no presidential aspirant would be compelled to step down in the ADC presidential race.