Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has disclosed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar once tasked him with persuading Peter Obi to accept a vice-presidential slot under a joint political arrangement.
Lawal made the disclosure during a recent political media interaction detailing behind-the-scenes negotiations, shedding light on the intricate web of alignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the former SGF, Atiku reached out to him directly to enlist his support in bridging the gap between key opposition figures. The mission required convincing the Labour Party standard-bearer to team up as a running mate, a proposal that reflects ongoing calculations among opposition leaders seeking to unseat the ruling party.
The Opposition Landscape and 2027 Calculations
The revelation comes at a time when major opposition figures in Nigeria are frequently linked to coalition talks. Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, has repeatedly emphasised the need for opposition unity to mount a formidable challenge in 2027.
Peter Obi, who ran under the platform of the Labour Party in 2023 and garnered significant support, particularly among urban youths, has remained a central figure in discussions surrounding opposition alliances. However, both camps have maintained independent political structures while facing pressure from supporters and critics alike regarding a potential merger.
Lawal, a seasoned politician from the North-East who fell out with the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2023 polls, has been vocal about political realignment strategies in the country. His account provides a rare glimpse into the private discussions held among political elites striving to forge consensus.
Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Peter Obi has immediately issued an official response to Lawal’s latest public disclosure. Political analysts note that while coalition talks remain fluid, public statements from key actors often serve to test public reception or strengthen negotiating positions as the electoral cycle approaches.
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