The Federal Government has dismissed the proposed alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

According to the Presidency, President Bola Tinubu is not concerned about the potential alliance, stating that he is not losing sleep over the political maneuverings of Atiku and Obi. Atiku ran for president in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but lost, while Obi, representing the Labour Party (LP), came third in the election.

Recently, Obi held a private meeting with Atiku and other PDP leaders in Abuja. He also met separately with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, prompting speculation about a possible coalition for the 2027 general elections.

In an interview on Friday, Atiku expressed his willingness to support Obi if the PDP decided in 2027 that it was the South-East’s turn to field the presidential candidate and selected Obi. He reiterated, “I have said repeatedly that if the PDP zones the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it. If Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” he told BBC Hausa Service.

Atiku suggested that a merger between the PDP and LP was possible and stressed that party members would decide their fate in the 2027 elections. He noted that his recent meeting with Obi might signal a possible alliance leading up to the elections. “It was just a normal friendly meeting, particularly among us in the opposition parties. Such meetings are healthy for Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.

When asked about the potential for a merger, Atiku confirmed, “Yes, it’s very much possible. We can merge to achieve a common goal. The choice of a presidential candidate will not be an issue.”

Tinubu Unbothered – FG

Reacting to the planned alliance, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, stated that the Federal Government was not worried. He emphasized that the government was focused on delivering on its mandate. “The government is not thinking about them at all. We are focused on delivering on the mandate handed over to Tinubu,” Idris said.

He highlighted recent achievements, including the inauguration of critical gas infrastructure projects in Imo and Delta states and ongoing social security and farming initiatives. “With the good works the government is doing, he [Tinubu] is already the toast of Nigerians,” Idris added.

A presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, also dismissed the alliance, describing Atiku and Obi as sore losers. “We are only surprised that they are plotting just one year after an election they lost. They are still behaving like sore losers,” Onanuga said.

He stressed that President Tinubu remains focused on fulfilling his promises and resetting the economy. “President Tinubu is a true statesman who is concerned about fulfilling his promises to Nigerians,” he concluded.