Disu Blasts Atiku’s Offer: ‘Obi Shouldn’t Be Anyone’s Backup Plan

Veteran journalist, Jimi Disu, has cautioned former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against accepting a vice-presidential offer from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Atiku Abubakar. Disu stressed that the Vice President’s role in Nigeria lacks constitutional authority and is largely symbolic.

Speaking during a programme on Nigerian Info FM 99.3, Disu described the vice-presidency as a “spare tyre” position with limited influence, urging Obi to reflect deeply on the consequences of aligning with Atiku in such a capacity.

He was reacting to media reports suggesting that Obi had agreed to be Atiku’s running mate in ongoing coalition talks — a claim Obi promptly denied. Obi reaffirmed that his focus remains on tackling Nigeria’s pressing problems such as poor governance, widespread poverty, and other socio-economic challenges.

Disu warned that accepting the vice-presidential role could be politically risky for Obi, particularly when dealing with a seasoned politician like Atiku. “Peter Obi is being offered the Vice President slot to appease the South, but he must be cautious,” Disu said.

He added, “There’s nothing statutorily assigned to the Vice President in the constitution. It’s a position that can be easily sidelined. You could end up being more irrelevant than those mocked in the past for holding the role.”

Disu concluded by advising Obi not to gamble his political capital on a role that offers little real power.