Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has confirmed that his principal is engaged in high-level discussions with other influential political figures — including Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai — over forming a coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, Ibe addressed growing speculation surrounding a united front aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next electoral cycle.
“Well, it’s public knowledge that Atiku Abubakar has been in talks with opposition leaders like Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai,” Ibe stated. “These discussions are ongoing, and once they conclude, a clear position will be communicated — one that aligns with the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians.”
Atiku and Obi were running mates under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner in the 2019 presidential race but lost to President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. Recent political developments have reignited rumors that the duo may reunite on a single ticket for 2027.
When asked directly about the possibility of an Atiku-Obi ticket, Ibe responded: “That 2019 ticket was viable, and it remains viable today. But any decision on that front lies with the individuals involved. They are still talking, and we should allow the process to play out.”
Momentum for a coalition has been building amid internal crises within the PDP and other major parties. El-Rufai, once a prominent APC figure, exited the party earlier this year, citing both political and personal disagreements. He has since aligned with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which some believe could serve as the coalition’s platform.
Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 election under the Labour Party, has appeared more cautious. While not dismissing the idea outright, he emphasizes that his focus is on building a coalition to combat poverty and other systemic challenges facing Nigeria — not necessarily a political merger.