Former Nigerian presidential candidate Peter Obi has confirmed his intention to run in the nation’s 2027 general election. The announcement, delivered via a press release on Monday, also explicitly rejected the prospect of a joint ticket with fellow All Democratic Alliance (ADA) member Atiku Abubakar, setting an early tone for what is anticipated to be a highly contested race.

The confirmation from Obi’s camp follows widespread speculation and recent discussions within Nigeria’s political circles regarding potential alliances aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Obi, who garnered significant support in the 2023 presidential election as the Labour Party’s candidate, has consistently emphasized his focus on good governance and addressing critical issues such as poverty and hunger in Nigeria.

The press release on Monday cited Peter Obi’s spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, who dismissed claims of a power-sharing deal or an agreement to run on a joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. This clarification comes after Obi participated in a livestream on Sunday night where he discussed the potential of running as Abubakar’s Vice President in 2027. During that session, Obi stated, “I won’t say I must have the ticket. That’s not leadership. You must work with others, consult widely, and put Nigeria first.”

Both Obi and Abubakar are prominent figures within the newly formed All Democratic Alliance (ADA), a coalition designed to unite various opposition parties, including the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, with the aim of consolidating the opposition vote for the 2027 general election. However, the ADA itself has reportedly faced internal disagreements since its inception, with challenges arising over whether to form a new unified party or operate under an existing platform.

Analysts like Dr. Abdul-Wasi Moshood, Head of the Department of Political Science at Lagos State University, have indicated that Obi’s refusal to serve as Abubakar’s deputy is not unexpected, given the primary ambition of each politician within the coalition. The future of the ADA alliance hinges significantly on whether its constituent leaders can agree on a single, formidable candidate to challenge the incumbent.

By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com