Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakars declaration that he would be willing to step down for Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the last election, should the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agree to hand him the ticket, has continued to elicit reactions from Nigerians.
While many of Obis supporters say they will gladly follow him back to the PDP, some of those who support Atikus ambition insist that he would not step down for anyone, and are instead urging the former Anambra State governor to accept the vice-president slot.
An X user, Tosin Olugbenga, @TosinOlugbenga,posted:
If Peter Obi moves to PDP, we will go with him, as long as hes the person on the presidential ballot. Peter Obi will take the light there, and when there’s light, darkness disappears.
Another user, FS Yusuf, @FS_Yusuf_, noted that, Peter Obi may run under the PDP for the 2027 election; and every hand needs to be on deck. Rescuing Nigeria should be the priority..
Yusuf stated further stated that, Peter Obi joining another Party for the 2027 election will have nothing to do with his fundamental principles. His principles are as firm and unwavering as his name. His message has been one THE PEOPLE FIRST.
However, a supporter of Abubakar, @UcheDec_, maintained that Atiku, who was the main opposition partys candidate in 2023 will not step down for any other candidate. Atiku Abubakar cant step down for anybody. Nigerians should support him for a better prosperous nation. Atiku is the only path to defeat Tinubu in 2027 and the root to Igbo presidency, he posted.
Atiku had disclosed, in an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Hausa service, that he will support Obi the Party decides that it is the turn of the South-East in 2027, adding that he vied to be president last year because the race was thrown open.
The PDP chieftain also said there is a possibility for the merger between the PDP and Labour Party, adding that the members of the Party would decide his fate in the 2027 general elections.
He also explained that his recent meeting with Obi might indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 general elections.
