JUST IN: Atiku, Obi attend National Political Consultative Group meeting in Abuja

By Kunle Sanni

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi attended the National Political Consultative Group (North) meeting on Sunday, fueling speculation about a possible alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The high-level meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, drew prominent political stakeholders from across the northern region.

Atiku shared news of their attendance in a post on his social media platforms, which included a snippet showing Obi’s arrival at the event.

“H.E. Peter Obi and I just arrived at the Abuja Continental Hotel for the National Political Consultative Group (North) event. -AA,” the post read.

Atiku and Obi, who contested and lost in the 2019 presidential election against former President Muhammadu Buhari, ran separately in the 2023 general election. Atiku was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Obi ran on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).

In that election, President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) secured 8,794,726 votes (36.61%), followed by Atiku with 6,984,520 votes (29.07%) and Obi with 6,101,533 votes (25.40%).

Despite their losses, both men maintain considerable influence, particularly among youths and regional blocs.

Speculation about a potential alliance intensified following reports that Atiku had offered Obi the vice-presidential slot on a joint ticket for the 2027 elections, with a promise to serve only one term. The proposal was allegedly discussed during a private meeting between the two in the United Kingdom earlier this year.

However, both Atiku and Obi have denied reaching any agreement on a power-sharing deal for the 2027 presidential race.