…Obi declares, offers one-term deal
The opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid is facing fresh hurdles, as a clash of interests among its key promoters has stalled a final decision on which political party to adopt for the 2027 presidential race.
Amid internal crises in their respective parties, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi are betting on a fragile new alliance to revive their presidential ambitions. Both leaders are in talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a broader strategy to unseat President Tinubu in the next general election.
Investigations revealed that coalition members are divided between two options: adopting the ADC or registering a new party – the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). Atiku, Obi and former Kaduna State governor, Nasir el-Rufa’i are reportedly in agreement to work together and use the ADC as the platform for a newly-formed opposition coalition. However, sources within the coalition insist that no decision has been ratified, with one describing the reported deal as “patently false”.
It was gathered that Atiku, ex-Edo State governor, John Oyegun, former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and ex-Osun State governor, Ra’uf Aregbesola are leading the push to adopt the ADC. On the other hand, former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi and the League of Northern Democrats (LND) want the ADA to be registered instead.
Amid these negotiations, Peter Obi on Sunday, made a bold declaration that has shaken the political landscape. Speaking during a well-attended Twitter Space, Obi confirmed he would run for president again in 2027 – but with an audacious offer: he is willing to serve only one term if that will help forge a formidable coalition to rescue Nigeria.
“Yes, I’m running. But it is not just about running, it is about rescuing Nigeria”, Obi said. He stressed that his return is driven by a sense of duty to salvage the country from what he called a failing administration.
“If it becomes necessary for me to serve for only four years and hand over to a competent candidate from the North in 2031, I will honour it. I am not desperate; I am only interested in building a better Nigeria”, he declared.
Obi’s one-term pledge is widely seen as a strategic move to win northern support and calm tensions over the North-South power rotation. Sources say Nasir el-Rufa’i has faced pressure over agitations for the presidency to remain in the South.
A source close to the coalition hinted that if Atiku drops his own ambition and backs Obi with a northern running mate – possibly Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, or Senator Aminu Tambuwal — the alliance could gain significant traction.
However, Obi also made it clear that he is not subordinate to Atiku in any potential deal. “I am not running under Atiku. I am running for Nigeria. If a coalition must happen, I will lead it”, he said emphatically.
Meanwhile, the convener of the League of Northern Democrats, (LND), Dr. Umar Arɗo, told newsmen that hidden presidential ambitions of the coalition’s main promoters remain the biggest stumbling block. “We are almost at a crossroads because of the hidden agenda of the political ambitions of our main promoters and their supporters. We hope to sort them out soon”, Arɗo stated.
Obi, who came third in the 2023 presidential election with over six million votes, continues to enjoy massive support among youths and the middle-class, who see him as a symbol of accountability and prudent governance. His fresh declaration and coalition-building efforts have now officially kicked-off the 2027 race – and all eyes are on how other power brokers within the PDP and APC will respond to his disruptive comeback.
