2027 Presidency: Atiku proposes one-term ticket with Obi as running mate

  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may have offered former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi the vice presidency on a single-term ticket for the 2027 presidential election, multiple reliable sources told The PUNCH.

The proposal was reportedly first discussed during a meeting between Atiku and Obi earlier this year in the UK. According to insiders, Atiku has committed to serving only one four-year term if elected, with Obi as his running mate. Obi is said to be consulting his loyalists before formally accepting the offer.

The two leaders previously ran together in 2019, with Obi as Atiku’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), losing to President Muhammadu Buhari.

On March 20, Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and others announced a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. However, both the PDP and Labour Party (LP) remain mired in internal disputes, delaying further announcements.

A party insider told The PUNCH that the coalition is aiming to finalize candidate selection by May 2026, before most parties unveil their candidates. The coalition’s success, the source said, depends on cooperation among key leaders, including Atiku and Obi.

Regarding the political platform, discussions are ongoing about running under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as both the PDP and LP face internal crises. Some loyalists have reportedly begun aligning with the ADC, seen as a more stable alternative to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which is allegedly influenced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, declined to confirm details but emphasized both leaders’ commitment to building a coalition strong enough to defeat the APC in 2027.

Peter Obi’s loyalists, including National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, have not confirmed the single-term deal but stressed the importance of following due process to defeat the APC. Obi remains committed to resolving the Labour Party’s internal crisis.

The National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, denied knowledge of any formal VP offer to Obi, stating no such discussions have taken place with him.

ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed ongoing talks with all coalition stakeholders and said a major announcement would be made soon. He emphasized the ADC’s goal to build a “mega African political party” and bring better leadership to Nigeria and Africa.

Meanwhile, some PDP members remain skeptical of Atiku’s 2027 ambitions. Diran Odeyemi, a PDP National Executive Committee member, advised Atiku to step aside, arguing that his repeated attempts to win the presidency have failed and could harm the party.

A chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Anthony Sani, viewed the possible Atiku-Obi ticket as a natural alliance, given their 2019 partnership and the growing political strength of the North-West and South-West regions. He noted this as an example of democracy in action amid shifting political dynamics.