By Capital Watch Media
A high-profile political meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar took place in Abeokuta on Monday, fuelling speculation about possible alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, led a delegation that included former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke.
The meeting was held at Obasanjo’s residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library premises.
The delegation arrived at 12:37 pm and was received by elder statesman Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.
Though details of their discussions remain unclear, sources indicate the meeting may have been connected to Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambitions.
When asked about the purpose of his visit, Atiku stated, “I am here on a courtesy call. I am not here to talk politics.”
However, a source familiar with the discussions suggested the meeting involved strategies for a political coalition.
“Yes, we are trying to see how we can collectively work together to salvage this country ahead of 2027,” the source said.
Reacting to the development, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, dismissed the meeting as inconsequential.
APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru said the party remained focused on governance and the upcoming Anambra governorship election, rather than opposition meetings.
“We don’t react to other people’s acts as a political party. We only do our own things. Presently, our plate is full,” Basiru stated.
He further described the meeting as a gathering of “indolent and lazy” politicians, arguing that the APC had no reason to worry about any alliance between Atiku and Obasanjo.
“How can people who are in disarray be a threat to a solid political party like the APC?” he said.
Basiru reiterated that APC’s focus was on winning the Anambra governorship election on November 8, rather than speculations about opposition alignments.
Atiku has previously made efforts to rally opposition figures for potential coalitions.
In November 2024, he urged opposition parties to unite, warning against allowing the APC to establish a one-party system in Nigeria.
Obasanjo, who served as president from 1999 to 2007 with Atiku as his vice president, has previously backed Atiku’s presidential ambitions.
Ahead of the 2019 elections, Obasanjo endorsed Atiku against then-President Muhammadu Buhari, stating that Atiku had the capacity to improve the economy.
Despite the endorsement, Atiku lost to Buhari, who secured re-election.
Meanwhile, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed openness to coalitions but stressed that any alliance must prioritise good governance.
Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, reaffirmed his principal’s stance on transparency and accountability.
“While we appreciate the efforts of various stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, our participation in any coalition would depend on its alignment with our values,” Umar said.
However, Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, dismissed coalition talks, stating that no such discussion had been initiated within the party.
“Labour Party has no agenda for a coalition. Even if we are going to do it, it is not going to be a unilateral decision,” Ifoh said.
The New Nigeria People’s Party, on the other hand, expressed willingness to consider a coalition if led by a credible figure like Obasanjo.
NNPP spokesman Ladipo Johnson said the party welcomed any alliance that aligned with their vision.
“We are open to any meaningful coalition that would bring hope to Nigerians. By God’s grace, we will have like-minded people in the same team,” he stated.
