Coalition: Atiku, Peter Obi, El-Rufai, Others In Talks, Says Ex-VP’s Spokesman
Coalition: Atiku, Peter Obi, El-Rufai, Others In Talks, Says Ex-VP’s Spokesman
Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has stated that his principal, along with notable political figures such as Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, are engaged in discussions regarding the formation of a coalition in preparation for the 2027 election.
On Thursday, he made this statement while addressing enquiries on Channels Television’s Politics Today, confirming rumours regarding a proposed coalition aimed at displacing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“It is understood that there have been ongoing discussions between Atiku Abubakar and certain opposition leaders, including Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai,” Ibe stated during the show.
“Indeed, it is publicly accessible.” The discussion is currently in progress, and upon its conclusion, a position will be announced along with the direction we will pursue in alignment with the aspirations of Nigerians.
In 2019, Atiku and Obi ran as candidates for the presidential election under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The former vice president served as the party’s candidate at that time.
Despite their defeat in the election to Muhammadu Buhari of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), there are ongoing speculations regarding the possibility of both prominent figures running on the same ticket in the upcoming presidential election.
In response to the inquiry regarding the possibility of both men being on the same ticket, Ibe stated, “What I’m conveying, in essence, is that this ticket was viable in 2019, and it remains viable today.”
“However, it is up to individuals to determine how they will proceed.” Therefore, we should refrain from proceeding ahead of them. “They are engaged in conversation,” Ibe stated.
Discussions regarding a coalition have garnered the attention of the primary opposition party, PDP, along with other political entities.
El-Rufai, a two-time governor of Kaduna State representing the APC, departed from the party earlier this year, citing various personal and political motivations. He collaborated with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a platform that many regarded as the host of the coalition.
Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has, nonetheless, minimised discussions regarding the possibility of joining a coalition.
The former governor of Anambra emphasises his commitment to forming a coalition aimed at addressing poverty and other challenges facing Nigeria.