Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (LP), and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai are reportedly considering forming a new political party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources reveal that both leaders recently convened to deliberate on creating a fresh political platform that could address internal challenges in their current parties and strengthen their chances in the next election cycle. Another meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 30, in Yola, Adamawa State, where Obi will serve as the keynote speaker at a ceremony marking Atiku’s 78th birthday. The event, hosted at the American University of Nigeria (AUN), owned by Atiku, is reportedly intended to showcase their ongoing camaraderie.
The Africa Report, via The Sun, quoted a spokesperson for the pair confirming that discussions about a potential merger are underway, though details remain under wraps.
Since their joint defeat to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections, Atiku and Obi have sought avenues for collaboration. Observers view these discussions as a strategic response to internal strife within their respective parties.
The PDP is grappling with prolonged crises, including tensions involving its current national chairman, Umar Damagum, an ally of Nyesom Wike. Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, openly opposed Atiku’s presidential bid and backed Tinubu in the last election. Meanwhile, the Labour Party is also facing discord, with Obi’s relationship with party chairman Julius Abure reportedly strained.
The dialogue between Atiku and Obi is said to be gaining momentum, with election preparations expected to kick off in the coming year. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is also rumored to be part of these discussions, suggesting the potential for a major political realignment in Nigeria.
