The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have dismissed speculations of a possible alliance for the 2027 presidential election.
Social media platforms were abuzz after photos of Atiku hosting Obi for breakfast at his residence in Adamawa State went viral, fueling rumours of a potential collaboration.
Atiku shared a video of their meeting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, captioning it, “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty.”
The video showed the two leaders seated at a dining table alongside others, engaging in cordial discussions over a meal. The viral footage reignited conversations about a potential merger among key opposition figures ahead of the next general elections.
The development comes months after the Deputy National Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi, hinted at discussions for an alliance between opposition leaders, including Atiku, Obi, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Reacting to the breakfast meeting, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, clarified that the encounter was a friendly reunion rather than a political strategy session.
He said, “Let us not jump the gun. The fact is that Obi accepted to be the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of AUN and the 16th Founder’s Day, which was a milestone. Obi is part of that celebration.
“The university was founded by Atiku Abubakar, who was more like his host. But people think it is because of politics. We all know our friends. The truth is that politics cannot separate friends.
“So Atiku invited him to breakfast and from there, they went for the programme. I think that is what happened.”
Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, also denied that the Adamawa breakfast meeting was a dress rehearsal for the 2027 joint ticket.
Umar said it was laughable to imagine that Nigerians would always add a political undertone to every meeting that involves party bigwigs like the duo.
“No, there was nothing like that. They just invited him (Obi) to deliver a speech there. It has nothing to do with politics. Of course, you know people will always assume things,” he explained.