ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s political landscape may be poised for a seismic shift as Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in 2023, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party, LP, candidate, are reportedly in discussions to create a new political party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources close to both leaders confirm that they recently met to deliberate on the potential formation of a fresh political platform.
These discussions come as both the PDP and Labour Party grapple with internal crises, undermining their effectiveness as opposition forces to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The two leaders are expected to meet again on Saturday, November 30, 2024, in Yola, Adamawa State.
The occasion, which will mark Atiku’s 78th birthday, will feature Peter Obi as the keynote speaker during a ceremony at the American University of Nigeria, AUN, owned by Atiku.
The event is reportedly designed to underscore the continued camaraderie between the two politicians.
A Response to Internal Party Crises
Both the PDP and Labour Party have been mired in internal discord since their loss to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023.
The PDP has been fractured by a prolonged leadership crisis.
The party’s national chairman, Umar Damagum, is aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who openly opposed Atiku’s presidential bid and supported Tinubu in the last election.
The Labour Party has faced its own challenges, with Obi’s relationship with party chairman Julius Abure becoming increasingly strained.
These internal divisions have weakened the parties’ capacities to effectively challenge the APC, spurring Atiku and Obi to explore alternative avenues for collaboration.
A Potential Political Realignment
While neither leader has officially confirmed the formation of a new party, a spokesperson for the duo acknowledged that discussions about a potential merger are ongoing but declined to provide further details.
Speculation suggests that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai may also be involved in these talks, hinting at a broader political realignment.
If successful, such a coalition could present a formidable challenge to the APC in 2027.
Implications for 2027 Elections
With preparations for the 2027 elections set to commence in just over a year, the prospect of a new political party led by Atiku and Obi could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
A merger could consolidate opposition forces, creating a unified platform to challenge the APC’s dominance.
As the discussions progress, political observers closely monitor developments that could redefine alliances and strategies in the next electoral cycle.
