Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is in discussions with key political figures, including Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, about forming a possible coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Paul Ibe, Atiku’s spokesperson, confirmed the talks on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Thursday, May 22.
He said the conversations are part of ongoing efforts among opposition leaders to respond to what they see as Nigerians’ growing demand for a new political direction.
“Well, you and I know that there have been ongoing discussions between Atiku Abubakar and some opposition leaders: Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai,” Ibe stated.
“Yes, it’s out there in the open. Discussion is still ongoing, and at the end of that discussion, they will come out with a position and the direction that we’re going to follow based on the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”
Atiku and Obi ran on a joint ticket during the 2019 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ultimately losing to then-incumbent Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Rumours have persisted that they may rekindle their political alliance.
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When asked directly whether the two could return as running mates, Ibe was non-committal but hinted at the strength of such a ticket.
“What I’m saying, in effect, is that that ticket was viable in 2019, and it’s still viable today,” he said. “But it is left to the individuals to be able to come to a determination as to how they proceed. So, let us not go ahead of them. They are talking.”
Momentum around a potential coalition has grown as the PDP and other opposition parties face internal divisions and leadership challenges.
El-Rufai, once a key figure in the APC, parted ways with the ruling party earlier this year, reportedly over political disagreements. He is now linked to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which observers believe could serve as the platform for a new alliance.
Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 election under the Labour Party, has taken a cautious approach. He continues to steer public attention toward national reform rather than political deals.
The former Anambra governor has repeatedly said his interest lies in building a coalition to fight poverty and misgovernance, not just winning elections.