Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has downplayed speculation that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could hijack the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH during a visit to LEA Primary School, Kapwa, Abuja, Obi described Atiku as a “dear elder brother and respected leader,” and insisted he had no concerns over Atiku’s potential move to the ADC.
The speculation follows reports of mass defections by Atiku’s loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the ADC coalition, raising concerns among Obi’s supporters about a possible takeover of the platform.
Tensions escalated after Atiku stated in a BBC Hausa interview that he would not step down for any aspirant unless defeated in a primary election, a comment that sparked fresh debate about his 2027 ambitions.
Adding to the conversation, former Senator Shehu Sani warned on X (formerly Twitter) that defeating Atiku in any party primary would be “difficult.”
In response, Obi stressed that the coalition forming around the ADC was focused on rescuing Nigeria, not political rivalry.
“Atiku is a very dear elder brother and leader I respect. I am a member of the Labour Party and part of the coalition aligning with the ADC for the 2027 election,” he said.
“This coalition will include other parties and individuals. We must all come together to do the right thing for Nigeria.”
The former Anambra State governor also confirmed his intention to run for president again, saying his focus is on competence and leadership capacity.
“I’m contesting, and I believe I will be. Nigerians must assess who is competent and capable. I believe I’m qualified.
In four years, I can change Nigeria’s trajectory for good,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to move away from excessive focus on party politics and instead concentrate on real issues affecting citizens.
“We’ve talked too much politics in this country. I was recently in some Anambra villages and saw poverty everywhere.
We should stop obsessing over party chairmen and primaries. Let’s focus on what will benefit the people,” he added.
Recalled, both Obi and Atiku were defeated by President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election — one of Nigeria’s most competitive three-way races. Obi, backed by a youth-driven movement on the LP platform, finished third behind Atiku.
Advertisement
