Paul Ibe, spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, has announced that Atiku and Peter Obi are planning to unite, having learned from their mistakes in the 2023 election, to challenge the APC in the 2027 presidential race
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Ibe emphasized the need for opposition parties to collaborate in order to oust what he described as the “incompetent and clueless” APC administration.
Atiku and Obi garnered a combined total of over 12 million votes in the 2023 presidential election, which was won by APC’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu with over eight million votes.
Analysts have long argued that a united front between the PDP and LP could have unseated the APC in that election.
Obi, who was once a prominent member of the PDP and a close ally of Atiku, defected to the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 polls after it became clear he would not secure the PDP ticket.
Despite their separate bids for the presidency, Ibe stated that both leaders are now focusing on the future and avoiding past mistakes.
“Nigerians deserve better than what they are getting. It’s never been this bad in this country and there is no hope,” Ibe said during the interview.
“Atiku Abubakar has always promoted the idea of opposition parties working together. This is the only way to kick out this incompetent and clueless government.”
Ibe noted that discussions between opposition leaders have been ongoing.
“Lessons have been learned from 2023 by all parties, including Atiku Abubakar. They are moving forward and having discussions based on these lessons. They want to be united and go forward,” he added.
When asked if Atiku would step aside for Obi in the next election, Ibe declined to provide a definitive answer but hinted at flexibility in strategy.
“For Atiku, all options are on the table,” he said, leaving room for speculation about a possible PDP-LP alliance.
With the 2027 election drawing closer, the possibility of a united opposition poses a significant challenge to the APC, which has faced increasing criticism over its governance.
Observers say a PDP-LP alliance could reshape the political landscape and heighten the stakes in Nigeria’s next presidential race.