There are strong indications that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has proposed a one-term presidency deal to the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, offering him the position of vice president on a joint ticket.
Multiple reliable sources involved in the ongoing coalition efforts, who asked not to be named due to a lack of authorization to speak publicly, told Dip Connects Online News that the proposal was discussed during a private meeting between Atiku and Obi earlier this year in the United Kingdom.
According to insiders, Atiku has pledged to serve only a single four-year term, after which he would hand over to Obi. The former Anambra State governor is said to have agreed to the offer but is currently working to secure full backing from his close political associates.
Obi previously ran alongside Atiku in the 2019 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but they lost to then-President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On March 20, Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other opposition leaders met in Abuja to announce a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. The move generated widespread debate, especially as both the PDP and LP continue to face internal crises.
A top political figure familiar with the discussions told Dip Connects Online News that both men have reached an agreement and are now consulting with their loyalists.
He stated:
“By this time next year — May 2026 — most parties will have named their presidential candidates. The coalition is aware of this and is finalising its plans. Atiku and Obi met in the UK earlier this year, where Atiku proposed the idea of running together. Obi asked for time to consult, but he has now agreed. Atiku also committed to stepping down after one term. Both have agreed to sign a written agreement if needed.”
With internal issues plaguing both PDP and LP, a new political platform may be in the works. Another insider revealed that they are seriously considering the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their potential party.
“The crisis in both PDP and LP is slowing things down. They’re watching to see how things unfold, but the ADC is currently the top option. The SDP was considered, but the APC has allegedly infiltrated it. Some of their loyalists are already meeting with ADC leaders and quietly registering with the party,” the source said.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, declined to confirm the VP arrangement but acknowledged the ongoing coalition talks.
“I know Atiku and Obi are discussing a coalition. I can’t confirm any specific agreements. What I can say is they’re focused on forming a viable, broad-based alliance to unseat the failing APC government in 2027,” Ibe told Dip Connects Online News.
Peter Ahmeh, a loyalist of Obi and National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), also refused to comment on the one-term VP offer but confirmed that Obi is actively trying to resolve the LP crisis.
In response to whether Obi had agreed to be Atiku’s running mate, Ahmeh replied, “No comment on this one until I speak with my oga (boss).” He added, “To defeat APC, we must follow proper engagement rules. Obi is still in LP, committed to unseating the ruling party. The Supreme Court has ruled on the party’s leadership issue, and Abure’s tenure is over. LP will survive.”
Meanwhile, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, said he was unaware of any Atiku-Obi deal.
“As far as I know, after my recent meeting with him in Benin, there has been no such discussion. He hasn’t informed me or spoken to me about it,” Tanko said.
ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed that talks are ongoing with major stakeholders in the opposition coalition, though he dodged a direct question about Atiku and Obi joining the party.
“The ADC is in discussions with all key stakeholders — including those within APC — committed to forming a mega African political party,” Nwosu said.
He continued, “We’ve been working for over a decade to give Nigerians true democracy. About 21 former national chairmen of deregistered parties have joined ADC. We’re in regular meetings and by the end of this week, we’ll announce major developments.
“The Nigerian project is critical not just for the country but for Africa. ADC is determined to deliver good leadership that will rescue not just Nigeria but the continent.”
ADEOLA KUNLE
