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Former presidential candidates, namely Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi, are reportedly engaged in discussions about the potential for a merger. The primary objective behind this initiative is to establish a robust political party capable of effectively challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and contending for power.
According to reports, these discussions among prominent political figures have been ongoing for a considerable period.
The initial talks began between Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Kwankwaso, who represented the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as their presidential candidate in the last election. Following the successful outcome of these preliminary discussions, a subsequent round of talks was initiated, involving Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), along with other influential figures within the PDP. This development transpired after the initial stakeholders reached an agreement to involve Obi in the deliberations.
Although the discussions are still in their early stages, they are rooted in two main principles. Firstly, the leaders have opted to await the results of the election petitions that are currently under consideration in court. The verdict of the court will play a crucial role in determining the subsequent course of action, should the court’s decision be unfavorable.
As per the report, sources close to the political leaders express hope that the presidential election tribunal will deliver a “just and fair” judgment. Ideally, this judgment would indicate that the election that led to President Bola Tinubu’s assumption of office was not conducted in a manner that withstands credible scrutiny, prompting appropriate action. The leaders are optimistic that the tribunal might call for either a re-election or a rerun of the election, providing them with an opportunity to merge their efforts and contest the election as a united front against Tinubu and the APC.
If the tribunal reaches a different conclusion, the leaders are contemplating the creation of a formidable political party in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general election. During this election, they intend to mount a challenge to seize power from the incumbent ruling APC.
A quoted source affirmed the sequence of events, stating, “The initial discussions took place between Kwankwaso and Atiku, and they have reached an agreement to include Peter Obi in their plans for a robust opposition following the resolution of the court cases. While the leadership of this opposition is yet to be determined, this matter will be addressed post the court cases. Once the court cases are concluded, they will strategize and collaborate for either a fresh election or to jointly face the 2027 electoral contest. Their vision encompasses the formation of a strong political party that encompasses the PDP, LP, and NNPP.”
