2027: Political Intrigues Escalate as Obi Affirms Presidential Ambition, Declines VP Slot

The New Diplomat
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  • ADC in Negotations over zoning.

By Abiola Olawale

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, political intrigues are intensifying, with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, firmly declaring his intention to contest for the presidency.

Obi also dismissed speculations of running as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s vice-presidential candidate, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral game.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, July 6, 2025, Obi, a former Anambra State governor, reiterated his commitment to contesting the 2027 presidential election.

“I’m going to contest for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and I believe I am qualified for it,” Obi stated, dispelling rumors of a potential alliance with Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer in 2023.

Obi, who garnered significant support during the 2023 elections through the Obidient Movement, emphasized that no discussions have taken place regarding a vice-presidential role.

“Nobody has ever discussed with me whether to be A or B or C,” he said, addressing speculations about a joint ticket with Atiku.

The New Diplomat reports that Obi’s stance comes amid the recent adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by the opposition coalition.

The coalition under the ADC includes prominent figures such as Atiku, former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

However, The New Diplomat gathered that there are ongoing discussions and negotiations within the coalition, particularly over zoning and the subject matter of the presidential ticket.

Atiku, who has contested the presidency several times in the past, has hinted at another run, raising concerns about a potential clash with Obi.

Obi has also maintained his stance on running for the Presidency, declaring his readiness to serve only one term if given the ticket.

Likewise, Amaechi, who came second in the 2022 primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu won. Amaechi has also declared his interest in the presidential seat.

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