Reports are emerging that Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) candidate, are engaged in secret talks about forming a new political party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The two leaders have allegedly been meeting to explore the possibility of creating a fresh political platform, and sources suggest that they will meet again on November 30 in Yola, Adamawa State, where Obi will deliver a keynote speech at a ceremony celebrating Atiku’s 78th birthday.
The event, hosted by the American University of Nigeria (AUN) owned by Atiku, is expected to demonstrate their continued friendship and cooperation.
A spokesperson for the duo has confirmed that a potential merger is being considered, but declined to provide further details. The talks are seen as a response to internal conflicts within their respective parties, which have been plagued by power struggles and infighting.
The PDP has been struggling with a prolonged crisis, with its national chairman, Umar Damagum, being an ally of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Wike has been a vocal critic of Atiku’s presidential bid and supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign in the last election.
The Labour Party has also faced internal discord, with Obi’s relationship with the party’s chairman, Julius Abure, having deteriorated. The talks between Atiku and Obi are reportedly progressing, with election preparations set to commence in just over a year. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is also involved in these discussions, indicating a possible significant political realignment.
