Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said discussions over a possible opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election should not be reduced to negotiations between individual candidates.
Obi made the clarification during an interview on Arise TV while responding to questions about reports that he could step down for African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, or accept the position of running mate.
The former Anambra State governor said he had not rejected any offer to become Atiku’s running mate, stressing that no such offer had been formally made to him.
“I don’t know where that was said. I wasn’t even in a position where that was being offered, and I refused,” Obi said.
He explained that any decision on a possible alliance would have to involve the political parties and their structures rather than be determined by the candidates alone.
According to him, both he and Atiku are currently presidential candidates of different political parties, making the issue a broader political negotiation.
“I’m a candidate, yes. So, my leader, Atiku, is a candidate of another party. I am a candidate for another party. So, you are talking about two parties coming together; it is no longer him or me,” he said.
Obi, who served as Atiku’s running mate in the 2019 presidential election, said he remained open to any arrangement capable of producing a government focused on improving the country.
He listed national unity, the rule of law, accountable leadership, education, healthcare, job creation and poverty reduction among the issues that should guide any opposition coalition.
“I want to be part of any coalition that will make Nigeria work. That will make Nigeria productive. That will create jobs for the young ones. That will pull people out of poverty,” Obi said.
