Prince Tony Akeni, Interim National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, has appealed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside and allow Peter Obi lead the opposition in the 2027 presidential race.
He warned that if the opposition is divided, President Bola Tinubu would easily secure a second term.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, September 26, Akeni explained that the decision followed a three-day Abuja stakeholders’ meeting of the “Agove 2027” coalition.
He said the group was convinced that Obi remains the only candidate with the credibility and appeal to unite Nigerians and defeat the APC.
According to Akeni, Atiku and Obi are both respected figures, but only one can fly the opposition’s flag.
“The same understanding that our country has been blessed by an extraordinary individual in the person of Peter Obi is what drives us today.
“We also have a similar understanding that our country has been blessed by an extraordinary person, the person of His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
“Two giants strutting the political space of Nigeria, on the side of the progressive aisle.
“Looking at the two personalities, their backgrounds, where they’re coming from, and where they have told Nigerians they are heading, we say that it is time to come to the intersection of their individual aspirations, and to take a stand.
“And the steps we have taken is based on research and study.”
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He noted that the coalition draws its strength from the “Obidient Movement” of 2023 and called for unity to sustain its momentum.
He further extended the appeal to former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying, “We also appeal to President Jonathan that he should consider what the majority of Nigerians have yielded their hearts to pursue.
“That is a presidency led by a younger person from a younger generation who clicks with the majority of Nigerians, by his records of integrity, character and consistency.
“Since 1999, this country has turned out hundreds of former governors. Now, when they leave office, what do you see? It is a people wallowing in poverty worse than when they first came in.
“There is no one that holds the kind of majestic and impeachable record of integrity, of purity of purpose, and compassion for the poor.
“The president of Mr. Peter Obi could as well have 10 minutes a day to speak to the people of Nigeria.”
Responding to arguments that Obi should compete with Atiku openly, Akeni dismissed the idea as counterproductive.
“It is illogical to add a vote to the fray or to the table in this particular case, because what we have done is to identify leaders who have the compassion and the pulse of the people as a priority in their individual communities.
“So, that is why he is not in the equation. Before now, don’t forget, all the things that can be said, every rot that can be put by opposition against a quality candidate, it’s not the first time,” he said.