+Details Of Their ABUJA Secret Meeting
Right now, within the Nigerian political landscape, the two big politicians making headlines lately have been the former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi. There were speculations not long ago that the two political gladiators were looking at the possibility of an alliance. This speculation became rife when, two weeks ago, Peter Obi paid the former vice president Atiku Abubakar a visit. The news of this meeting excited the supporters of both politicians who felt it was a good thing the two main opposition leaders were coming together to form an alliance that could unseat the current government come 2027. They believe the two of them pulling forces together would definitely spell doom for the APC in the 2027 presidential elections. But the question on the lips of many political pundits and close followers of Nigeria’s politics has been, who will agree to be the running mate of the other? Will Atiku drop his presidential ambition?
Right now, that is a very difficult question to answer as it is a well documented fact that the two gentlemen involved are both very desirous to become president of the federal republic of Nigeria. Peter Obi, who would easily have been touted to be the one likely to be running mate will feel his poltical profile and ratings have risen tremendously after such a fantastic showing at the 2023 [presidential elections where he came third behind Atiku Abubakar and the winner, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Atiku Abubakar, after the meeting with Obi, shared his view on the question of who picks the PDP presidential ticket should the two eventually decide to work together towards the 2027 presidential elections. “I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general elections that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it. As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.
“If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” Atiku was quoted to have said in an interview. The former Vice President’s position was made at a private meeting between Obi, Atiku and some other PDP leaders in Abuja, on Monday, May 13. Obi, who was the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, also met separately with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Senate President Bukola Bukola Saraki. The meeting sparked even stronger speculations about a merger of some opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on the possibility with the BBC Hausa, he noted that a merger between the PDP and Labour Party is possible.
According to him, nothing will stop them from merging if the two parties decide to form an ally. “It’s just a normal friendly meeting that we often have, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy and in the country’s interest,” Atiku said while responding to questions about the meeting with Obi. He continued by saying, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. So, it’s possible, and nothing can stop it if we wish to achieve that.”
For those who do not know and who think Peter Obi could become the PDP presidential flag bearer while Atiku becomes his running mate, let us make it clear, Atiku is barred constitutionally to be VP, so he can only be a presidential candidate or throw his weight behind OBI to become President. And many have wondered, if Atiku becomes the presidential candidate , how does he convince the South to vote for him?. He will also further alienate the Southern governors from PDP and render them disgruntled.
And if Obi becomes the presidential candidate, how does he convince the North, who will be gearing up to take over power in 2031, to ote for him? How does he also convince southern politicians gearing up to become VP in 2031 to drop their ambitions for him? Without a doubt, the best time for this alliance was 2023. That would’ve been the perfect moment. But right now, this alliance is not just impossible but makes very little political sense. The more Atiku struggles to entrench his interest in PDP, the more he alienates more politicians especially from the South.
The thought of these two politicians working together again after Peter Obi’s unceremonious exit from PDP before the 2023 presidential elections is still very fresh in the memories of many Nigerians. Many would still recall what Peter Obi said after he had been pushed out of contention for the PDP presidential ticket. And in the same vein, Atiku too revealed why he and Obi, whom he worked with during the 2023 presidential election could not reach a harmonious partnership last year.
Atiku noted that Obi, who was his erstwhile vice presidential candidate during the 2019 presidential election, and the LP, could not perform any miracle during the 2023 elections. Atiku explained that despite the social media sensation and acceptability of Obi’s candidacy, the reality remains that the LP does not have people in government nor the National Assembly.
He said, “I really don’t expect the Labour Party to take as many votes from the PDP as people are suggesting. We could have seen it in the last election in Osun State. What was the performance of the Labour Party?
“This is a party that doesn’t have a governor, doesn’t have members of the national assembly, doesn’t have members of the State Houses of Assembly. And politics in this country depends on structures you have at those various levels; at the local level, at the state level and at the national level.
“It is very difficult for a miracle to happen simply because Peter Obi is in the Labour Party.”
However, when Obi was asked on Channels TV about the possibility of him working with Atiku if the chance arose, he said he was in the contest to win, adding that he had all it took to win.
Obi said, “Nobody goes into a match thinking of what will happen. Everyone is going into it to win. I’m going into this contest to be the next President of Nigeria… I think I have all it takes to win.”
Right now, it is still very unclear how the scenario between these two would pan out. It is no longer news that thec Labour Party is in crisis, this makes it almost definite that Peter Obi will exit the party and head to the PDP, or possibly a merger party. So, he will be clearly weighing his options knowing full well Atiku is not likely to relinquish the PDP presidential ticket to him.
Just last Thursday, Atiku reiterated his desire to be President. He said, “I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy. Even the former US President, Abraham Lincoln before finally winning.”
Atiku knows its going to be tough getting the PDP presidential ticket this time around. But he is up for the battle. He has a firm grip of many of the top hierarchies of the party. He knows the game. He understands the terrain even better than Peter Obi. But this is a dicey situation. The PDP will meet again in August, it will be interesting to see how things unfold.
– WALE LAWAL
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