The All Progressives Congress (APC) has addressed recent rumors suggesting that Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are considering forming a new political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speculation has intensified following statements by Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 presidential candidate, indicating possible collaboration with Obi and other opposition parties.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service, Atiku confirmed ongoing merger discussions, emphasizing his willingness to support Peter Obi if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South-East. “I have said repeatedly, and I even said it before the 2023 general elections, that I won’t contest if PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically. I will follow the party’s decision as long as it is made. However, I ran for the 2023 presidential ticket because it was available to all party members,” Atiku explained. He further expressed his readiness to back Obi if he is chosen as the candidate from the South-East.
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Nze Chidi Duru, the APC’s deputy national organizing secretary, responded to these developments by asserting that the ruling party remains unfazed by the potential merger. He emphasized the importance of a robust opposition for the health of democracy, stating, “Having an effective and efficient opposition in the nation to help provide the alternative view will be helpful. Nigeria and the APC would benefit from it.”
Duru added that the APC welcomes the presence of a strong opposition, viewing it as an opportunity for constructive political engagement. “In my opinion, we will persist in our expectation that opposing parties will seize the opportunity to present a strong and beneficial challenge to our political organization. Such opposition is theirs, and it is our responsibility as the APC to keep taking the initiative. We hope the other side does well. We’ll keep putting in more effort to meet the needs of the Nigerian people,” he stated.
Duru also referenced past assertions by the Labour Party, which had previously dismissed the idea of merging with other parties as an “unholy engagement.” The APC’s stance highlights its confidence in its governance and its openness to democratic competition, reflecting a broader commitment to political pluralism in Nigeria.
As political maneuverings continue, the potential alliance between Atiku and Obi could reshape the opposition landscape, setting the stage for a dynamic contest in the 2027 elections. The APC’s response underscores the ruling party’s readiness to face any challenge while striving to fulfill its mandate to the Nigerian people.
