Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reportedly proposed a joint presidential ticket with Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, Peter Obi, offering to serve a single four-year term with Obi as his vice president. Sources involved in the coalition talks disclosed that this proposal was discussed during a meeting between the two politicians in the United Kingdom earlier this year.

While Atiku and Obi have yet to make an official announcement, insiders say both leaders have agreed in principle, with Obi currently consulting his loyalists. Discussions are ongoing about potentially using the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their political platform due to internal crises within the PDP and LP. Meetings between coalition actors and ADC leadership have reportedly taken place, with the party hinting at a major announcement soon.

However, public confirmation remains elusive. Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, acknowledged coalition talks but did not confirm any agreement. Obi’s close allies have either declined comment or stated no such offer has been communicated. The Obedient Movement’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, denied any knowledge of the deal.

Meanwhile, ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu confirmed ongoing coalition discussions with various stakeholders, including those in government and deregistered parties, with plans for a “mega African political party.”

Critics within Atiku’s PDP, such as NEC member Diran Odeyemi, have pushed back, urging Atiku to drop his presidential ambition, accusing him of political desperation. In contrast, some northern leaders, including ACF chieftain Anthony Sani, see a renewed Atiku-Obi alliance as politically plausible, though its success remains uncertain.

The move to form a united front ahead of the 2027 election comes amid growing calls for opposition unity to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led government.