With the 2027 presidential election drawing closer, fresh conversations have emerged about the future of Nigeria’s political opposition — particularly between Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.
A Labour Party chieftain, Comrade Sylvester Edet Okon, has now outlined how Peter Obi can successfully get Atiku to step aside and support him as the consensus presidential candidate of a united opposition coalition.
Okon, who once ran for councillor in Eneyo South Ward, Cross River State, shared his insights during an exclusive chat with Legit.ng on June 21, 2025.
“Obi must combine strategic coalition-building, appeal to Atiku’s legacy, and leverage grassroots energy from the Obidient movement,” Okon said.
The Strategy to Win Over Atiku
According to Okon, Obi must:
-
Offer Atiku a significant role in any new opposition platform
-
Respect regional balance and the zoning principle
-
Secure northern endorsements to prove his nationwide appeal
-
Balance coalition-building without losing the support of his Obidient base
“Success depends on convincing Atiku that Obi offers the best chance to defeat Tinubu while still preserving his own legacy,” Okon added.
Why Obi Must Not Be Atiku’s Running Mate
Okon strongly cautioned against Obi accepting a vice-presidential slot under Atiku in 2027.
“Running as Atiku’s VP would be a step back. It would silence Obi’s national voice and demoralize his core supporters,” he warned.
This echoes widespread opposition from Obi’s supporters, who have publicly rejected any plan to make him a running mate again. In May 2025, talks about an Atiku-Obi ticket sparked backlash, halting coalition progress.
The Winning Formula for 2027
Comrade Okon believes Obi must:
-
Harness the energy of the Obidient movement to drive digital and grassroots campaigns
-
Strengthen the Labour Party’s base or build new alliances
-
Deploy polling unit monitors and push for electoral transparency
He emphasized that mobilizing youth and rural voters, particularly through social media and on-the-ground engagement, would be key to breaking the APC’s dominance.
As Nigeria gears up for another historic election, the question remains:
Will Peter Obi take the lead — or play second fiddle?
What do you think?
Should Atiku step aside for Obi? Or is a joint ticket the best path forward?
Join the conversation and share your opinion below. Your voice matters.
Leave a Reply