Atiku-Obi must strike power-sharing deal to defeat Tinubu in 2027, says Labour Party chieftain

A former House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa South Federal Constituency in Osun State, Gideon Aloba, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State governor Peter Obi to forge a strategic alliance built on genuine power-sharing ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement on Saturday, Aloba said only a united and well-structured coalition between the two leading opposition figures could effectively challenge and defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“To defeat Tinubu in 2027, there must be a handshake between Atiku and Obi. One of them must be ready to shelve personal ambition and offer strategic support,” he said.

Aloba proposed that the alliance should follow a formal structure similar to the 2010 UK Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government, in which each party had clearly defined roles and responsibilities enshrined in a binding agreement.

He warned that any loose or informal alliance would collapse under political pressure or power tussles.

“To effectively manage the merger and protect the interests of both parties, a bipartisan coalition agreement must be signed.

“This document should clearly outline the roles, responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms for each side,” he added.

Aloba, a chieftain of the Labour Party, emphasized that the arrangement must go beyond a president-and-spare-tyre model.

He proposed a formula where one leader oversees key economic reforms while the other is charged with national security and anti-corruption.

“The coalition must reflect true power-sharing… Though such alliances are always delicate, especially in Nigeria’s political space, a well-negotiated, clearly documented, and mutually respected agreement remains the best safeguard for success — not just for the parties involved, but for the future of Nigeria,” he said.

He also stressed the need for political maturity and compromise, cautioning both camps to prioritize national interest over personal ambition.

Aloba believes that handling the ticket dynamics with fairness and foresight will be essential to maintaining the support base of both parties and inspiring confidence in a credible alternative for 2027.