OBI SAYS 2027 OPPOSITION ALLIANCE MUST GO BEYOND PERSONAL AMBITIONS

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has ruled out personally stepping aside for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election, saying the issue can no longer be treated as a simple decision between two politicians. Obi explained that he and Atiku are now presidential candidates of different political parties, meaning any agreement to present a single opposition candidate would have to be negotiated by the parties involved.

Obi made the remarks during an interview with Arise Television while discussing the 2027 election, the opposition coalition and other national issues. Responding to questions on whether he would step down for Atiku, the former Anambra State governor said the situation had changed because the different opposition parties already had their own candidates. He likened a possible alliance to two corporations coming together, saying such an arrangement would require broader negotiations rather than a personal agreement between the two candidates.

The comments come amid continued efforts by opposition politicians to build a united platform capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next presidential election. Obi, Atiku and other opposition leaders were previously involved in a coalition that adopted the African Democratic Congress as its platform, but the arrangement did not result in both politicians contesting under the same party. Obi later emerged as the NDC candidate, while Atiku became the ADC presidential candidate.

Obi also dismissed reports that he had previously rejected an offer to become Atiku’s running mate, saying no such proposal was made to him. The two politicians have a history of working together, having contested the 2019 presidential election on the same Peoples Democratic Party ticket, with Obi serving as Atiku’s running mate. Their political paths later separated, with Obi contesting the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party while Atiku remained the PDP candidate.

Beyond the opposition alliance, Obi said he would retain the floating of the naira if elected president but would focus on increasing productivity to strengthen the value of the currency. He also called for a politics that moves beyond ethnic considerations, arguing that Nigerians should assess candidates based on their plans and ability to improve the country. Obi further said Nigeria needed to focus more on agriculture, production and national unity, while insisting that political leaders should maintain a stronger connection with Nigerians across the country.