In a sharp response to circulating reports about a possible alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, has emphatically dismissed the deal as unrealistic and politically untenable.
Speculations have been rife that Atiku Abubakar, who represented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential elections, has reached an agreement with Peter Obi to run together in 2027. According to the reports, Obi has purportedly accepted to serve as Atiku’s deputy for a single tenure, signaling a possible reconciliation between two prominent opposition figures aiming to unseat the ruling APC.
However, speaking on Monday via his official Facebook page, Igbokwe, a vocal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the rumored pact as a “childish and primitive” attempt born out of desperation. “It is an act of desperation. It cannot fly and it cannot sell,” he asserted.
The purported alliance has generated buzz among political analysts, supporters, and detractors alike. Atiku and Obi represent two significant opposition forces with substantial followings—Atiku with his deep-rooted PDP network and Obi, celebrated for his reformist stance and appeal among youth and urban voters.
If genuine, such a coalition could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape by consolidating opposition votes against the incumbent APC. However, the deal’s credibility remains under scrutiny as both Atiku and Obi have yet to publicly confirm the arrangement.
Joe Igbokwe’s outright rejection signals APC’s confidence in retaining power and counters any narrative that a coalition of opposition forces poses a credible threat. Known for his fiery social media presence and staunch loyalty to President Tinubu, Igbokwe’s comments reflect the ruling party’s determination to maintain dominance through strategic messaging.
“Such alliances are nothing but political fantasy,” Igbokwe added, emphasizing that the APC remains the party with the best capacity to deliver Nigeria’s future.
The 2023 general elections saw President Bola Tinubu clinch the presidency under the APC banner, defeating both Atiku and Obi, who ran on the PDP and Labour Party tickets respectively. Despite their loss, both opposition figures remain influential and are viewed as potential frontrunners in 2027.
While Atiku has maintained his influence within the PDP, Obi’s growing popularity and his track record of youth mobilization have made him a key player in Nigerian politics.
Political analysts believe that while opposition unity is a common aspiration to challenge APC’s stronghold, internal party dynamics, ideological differences, and personal ambitions often complicate such alliances.
Dr. Amina Suleiman, a political science lecturer at the University of Lagos, notes: “The Atiku-Obi deal, if true, shows the opposition’s desire to strategize differently after 2023. But the challenge remains whether they can reconcile their political ambitions and party structures for a joint front.”
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, political maneuvers and alliances will likely intensify. The APC’s readiness to dismiss the rumored pact underscores their confidence but also highlights the fierce competition that lies ahead.
For now, both Atiku and Obi have remained silent on the matter, leaving Nigerians to watch keenly as the political drama unfolds.