Amid intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is poised to formally declare his candidacy for president, this time as the leading contender rather than a running mate.
Multiple sources confirmed over the weekend that Obi, who ran in the 2023 polls under the Labour Party, is preparing to unveil his 2027 presidential ambition alongside the political platform he intends to contest under.
“Peter Obi will not run as anyone’s running mate. He led a three-day meeting with Atiku’s team, and they could not agree on the vice-presidential offer,” one source familiar with the negotiations said. “Within the week, he will present himself as a presidential contender and may unveil his party platform.”
The development comes as coalition talks between Obi’s camp and that of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reportedly collapsed. Atiku is now said to be in advanced talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), exploring the possibility of contesting under its banner.
The ADC, currently led by Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, is undergoing a leadership restructuring and absorbing former members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), according to party insiders. The party is expected to emerge as one of the major platforms in a projected three-horse race for the presidency.
Chief Nwosu confirmed that several high-profile politicians have approached the party but declined to comment specifically on Atiku’s plans, citing the party’s upcoming primary and national convention.
The evolving political landscape suggests both Obi and Atiku are repositioning themselves ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive 2027 contest.
