ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC, has dismissed speculations about a potential merger between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election, describing the two politicians as “desperate and untrustworthy.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, titled “Atiku, Obi United by Mutual Desperation,” APC spokesperson Felix Morka downplayed the significance of recent meetings between Abubakar and Obi, characterising them as inconsequential.
Morka argued that the meetings, which were reportedly aimed at strategizing to prevent President Bola Tinubu from securing a second term, would lead to nothing substantial.
The speculation of a potential alliance gained traction after Obi visited Atiku at his Abuja residence on May 13.
On the same day, Obi also met with People’s Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts Bukola Saraki and Sule Lamido, further fueling rumours of a coalition.
This speculation is underscored by their previous joint candidacy in the 2019 election, where they were defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.
In the 2023 election, both Obi and Atiku ran independently, with Obi representing the Labour Party after leaving the PDP.
Following their defeat by Tinubu, Atiku called for a coalition among opposition parties to challenge the incumbent president in 2027.
However, Morka suggested that it remains uncertain whether Obi would rejoin the PDP or if Atiku would consider aligning with the Labour Party.
He described both politicians as “political wayfarers,” criticizing their history of switching party affiliations.
“Atiku and Obi are united by their mutual desperation to be President of Nigeria and their disdain for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to national transformation,” Morka stated.
He further argued that their inability to maintain stable party affiliations demonstrates a lack of resilience needed to tackle Nigeria’s complex national challenges.
Morka concluded by urging Nigerians to continue supporting the APC and President Tinubu’s efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous nation, stressing that Atiku and Obi’s opportunistic political manoeuvres should not distract from the government’s goals.
The APC’s response highlights the ongoing political manoeuvring and strategic alliances forming ahead of the next presidential election, setting the stage for what promises to be a contentious race.
