The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has explained why he cannot unilaterally step down from the 2027 presidential race in favour of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Obi said the question of stepping down had moved beyond a personal decision between him and Atiku because both politicians are now candidates of different political parties.
The former Anambra State governor made the clarification on Thursday while featuring on an Arise Television programme, where he spoke on the 2027 presidential election and ongoing efforts by opposition groups to produce a common candidate.
‘It’s No Longer About Me and Atiku’
Responding to questions on whether he would withdraw his candidacy to support Atiku, Obi said any possible arrangement would now have to be negotiated between the political parties involved.
He explained that he is the presidential candidate of the NDC, while Atiku is the presidential candidate of the ADC, making the issue one that goes beyond the personal ambitions of the two politicians.
According to Obi, any decision to merge, form an alliance or adopt a consensus candidate would require the participation and agreement of the respective political parties.
He likened the situation to two corporations coming together, arguing that it would no longer be a matter for two individuals to simply decide to work together without considering the structures and interests of the organisations they represent.
Obi Rejects Running-Mate Speculation
The NDC candidate also dismissed reports that he had rejected an offer to become Atiku’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Obi said no formal proposal had been made to him to serve as Atiku’s vice-presidential candidate, insisting that reports suggesting otherwise misrepresented his position.
He maintained that he had never stated that he was unwilling to work with Atiku but said the political situation had evolved considerably since the two men worked together during the 2019 presidential election.
Obi was Atiku’s running mate on the Peoples Democratic Party ticket in 2019, but the ticket lost the election to the All Progressives Congress candidate, Muhammadu Buhari.
Opposition Unity Talks
Obi’s comments come amid renewed efforts by opposition groups to unite ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The G-100, a coalition of political groups and stakeholders, has been holding consultations aimed at producing a consensus opposition candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC.
The group has indicated that it wants the negotiations concluded before the end of September. However, the process has encountered difficulties because several opposition parties have already produced their presidential candidates.
Atiku, Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have all maintained their presidential ambitions, with none publicly indicating readiness to withdraw in favour of another contender.
The development has intensified debate over whether the opposition can overcome individual ambitions and party interests to present a single candidate for the 2027 election.
Political Calculations Intensify
For Obi, the issue is not simply about choosing between himself and Atiku. Any eventual agreement would have to take into account the structures, supporters, policies and political interests of the parties involved.
His position could further complicate efforts by opposition leaders seeking a single presidential ticket, particularly as the election approaches and candidates seek to strengthen their bargaining positions.
The debate has also generated competing arguments over which candidate has the stronger national support base and the greater capacity to challenge the APC.
Meanwhile, Obi’s running mate, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, has separately called on Atiku to withdraw from the presidential contest and support the NDC ticket, citing Atiku’s age and health. Kwankwaso said he and Obi would take care of the former vice-president if they win the presidency.
A Difficult Road to Consensus
The latest development highlights the difficulty facing opposition groups as they attempt to build a unified platform ahead of the 2027 election.
While the various groups share an interest in challenging the ruling APC, agreeing on a single presidential candidate remains a major obstacle.
For now, Obi and Atiku remain presidential candidates of separate parties, and both camps continue to position their respective candidates as capable of winning the election.
With consultations still ongoing, attention is expected to remain focused on whether the opposition can eventually reach an agreement or whether Nigerians will witness a multi-candidate opposition contest in the 2027 presidential election.
For Obi, however, the message is clear: any decision to step down or adopt another candidate cannot be made by him alone. It must emerge from a broader political agreement involving the parties and stakeholders concerned.