2027: Atiku, Peter Obi, Kwankwaso explore merger to challenge Tinubu, APC

In a strategic move to reshape the political landscape and provide a formidable opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), three influential Nigerian political figures—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi—are reportedly engaged in discussions aimed at potentially merging their efforts.

The talks are seen as a response to the ongoing transition process within the country’s political arena. The discussions have evolved from initial meetings between Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who contested under the banner of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last presidential election, according to This Day.

With the positive outcome of these initial interactions, Peter Obi, a key figure associated with the “OBIdient Movement” and the former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), was brought into the fold, broadening the scope of the discussions and indicating a potential merger between the parties.

The foundation of these discussions rests upon two primary considerations:

1. Awaiting Court Rulings on Election Petitions: The trio is closely monitoring the progress of various election petitions currently before the courts. Their future course of action hinges on the decisions rendered by the judiciary. Should the presidential election tribunal determine that the election that brought President Bola Tinubu to power did not meet acceptable electoral standards, the leaders anticipate a call for re-election or a rerun, which could lay the groundwork for their unified challenge.

2. Forming a Resilient Political Force: In the event that court rulings do not align with their expectations, the leaders are contemplating the establishment of a robust political party well in advance of the 2027 general election. This envisioned party would involve a coalition of parties including the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP. The aim would be to present a united front capable of contesting power against the APC in the subsequent election cycle.