2027 Plot? Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai In High-Level Talks – Spokesman Confirms Alliance Rumours

Paul Ibe, spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has confirmed that his principal is engaged in ongoing political discussions with key figures like Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Ibe addressed the growing speculation around a potential opposition coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“It’s no secret — Atiku Abubakar has been in talks with opposition leaders such as Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai. The conversations are ongoing, and at the right time, a clear direction will emerge based on the collective aspirations of Nigerians,” Ibe said.

Reflecting on the 2019 elections, where Atiku and Obi ran on a joint ticket under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ibe was asked whether a repeat ticket is possible in 2027. He responded:

“That ticket was viable in 2019 and remains viable today. However, any future arrangement depends on the individuals involved and the outcome of their discussions. Let’s not get ahead of them — the dialogue is still underway.”

While the possibility of a joint ticket remains uncertain, discussions have intensified as internal crises rock the PDP and other opposition parties. El-Rufai, who recently defected from the APC due to personal and political disagreements, joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) — a party now seen as a potential platform for the proposed coalition.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has remained cautious, stating that his focus is on building a coalition that addresses Nigeria’s deep-rooted socio-economic problems, particularly poverty, rather than a purely political merger.