Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is trending on X (formerly Twitter) under the hashtag #ObiVP, following reports that he may join forces with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the 2027 presidential election.
Sources within opposition circles suggest that Atiku is proposing a joint ticket, offering Obi the Vice Presidential slot. The arrangement reportedly includes Atiku serving a single four-year term, with the goal of consolidating opposition forces to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Vanguard, discussions are ongoing between Atiku, Obi, and other key opposition figures to form a formidable coalition ahead of the next general election.
Atiku’s media adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, confirmed the talks but noted that specifics, such as power-sharing arrangements, are still being negotiated.
“What I can confirm is that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, His Excellency Peter Obi, and other opposition leaders are working diligently to build a viable and robust coalition platform,” Ibe said.
The news has stirred debate online. While some Atiku supporters view the potential alliance as a strategic move, many within Obi’s support base the “Obidients” have criticized the proposal.
One user, @Oye_Dot, expressed strong disapproval.
“It is an insult to offer Peter Obi the VP position. Considering his popularity and performance in the 2023 elections, any merger that doesn’t have Obi as the presidential candidate is unacceptable. We, the Obidients, reject such a demotional and insultive offer.”
Obi previously ran alongside Atiku as his running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, which they lost to then-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. Ahead of the 2023 polls, Obi left the PDP to join the Labour Party, launching a campaign that disrupted Nigeria’s traditional two-party dynamic and gained significant grassroots support.
As the 2027 election approaches, Atiku appears to be leading the charge to unify the opposition in a bid to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the APC. Whether Obi will accept a supporting role in that effort remains to be seen.
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