By Our Correspondent
Allies of Atiku Abubakar are weighing Peter Obi and Chibuike Amaechi as possible running mates for the 2027 presidential race, with Obi emerging as the preferred option. Discussions with him are ongoing, and his acceptance remains uncertain. Should he decline, Amaechi is seen as the likely alternative.
The renewed push for an alliance comes against the backdrop of the 2023 presidential election, where Obi, running on the Labour Party platform, and Atiku, contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party, each secured more than six million votes.
Their separate bids split the opposition vote, while APC candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu won with more than eight million votes. Many analysts argue that a combined Obi-Atiku ticket in 2023 might have altered the outcome.
Political strategist Dele Momodu says an Atiku-Obi alliance remains the strongest possible opposition front against President Tinubu in 2027.
He disclosed that he has held several meetings with Obi, urging him to join forces with Atiku, although resistance persists within Obi’s support base.
Momodu warns that if Obi delays his decision, the choice may shift to Amaechi. “A lot of people are underrating Amaechi,” he said. “If Obi does not decide, the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi.”
The Obidient Movement maintains that Obi is preparing to run, but its national coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, says they are open to dialogue depending on the terms offered.
Meanwhile, aides close to Amaechi say he is focused on pursuing the ADC presidential ticket but may consider a running-mate arrangement if political realities demand it.
