Peter Obi Dismisses Atiku Alliance Rumours, Reaffirms Stand Against Power-Hungry Politics
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has broken his silence amid swirling reports of a potential political alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that his only coalition is “against hunger, poverty, and bad governance.”
Obi, who visited Bishop Duke Akamisoko of the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa in Abuja on Monday, stated unequivocally that he is not desperate for any political office, distancing himself from claims that he is considering running as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate once again.
“The only coalition I am interested in is the one against hunger, poverty, and the bad state of healthcare and education in the country. I am not desperate for any position,” Obi said, as quoted by Channels TV.
His comments appear to be a direct response to a report first published by The Punch, suggesting that Atiku has offered Obi the VP slot under the condition that he (Atiku) would only serve one term. The report also claimed Obi is weighing the offer to maintain influence among his loyal supporters, known as the “Obidients.”
However, critics have raised serious concerns about such an arrangement, calling it a political trap. A widely circulated opinion piece slammed the proposed alliance, arguing that Atiku’s one-term promise is neither credible nor driven by a genuine vision for Nigeria’s future.
“It is a political configuration to remove President Bola Tinubu from office, like the coalition that brought the APC to power… but lacked a foundational blueprint to tackle the many problems that plague Nigeria,” the article argued.
Analysts warn that joining forces with Atiku, who has unsuccessfully run for president six times and is often seen as emblematic of Nigeria’s old political guard, would severely undermine the credibility Obi earned during the 2023 election. Many believe Obi’s rise as a “third force” symbolised a generational shift, driven by the youth’s demand for integrity, competence, and a break from traditional politics.
There is also skepticism over Atiku’s alleged promise to serve a single term, with observers questioning whether a career politician who has long aspired to the presidency would relinquish power so easily.
“Could you imagine a scenario where Atiku… would, after a single term, relinquish power and quietly retire?” the commentary asked. “My best guess is that towards the end of the first term, Peter Obi would be levelled with a scandal that would see him removed as VP.”
Obi’s rejection of such political machinations reinforces his public image as a principled leader uninterested in transactional politics. His insistence on addressing Nigeria’s structural issues—such as hunger, poor education, and a broken healthcare system—stands in stark contrast to backdoor deals driven by personal ambition.
During his visit to the diocese, Obi also made a donation toward a local school project, underscoring his commitment to grassroots development over elite power games.
As opposition parties ramp up efforts to build a broad coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Obi’s stance could define the character and credibility of whatever alternative emerges.
