Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said any attempt to unite opposition forces ahead of the 2027 presidential election must now involve the political parties rather than depend on individual candidates.
Obi made the clarification while responding to questions about whether he would step down from the presidential race to support Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during an interview with Arise Television on Thursday, the former Anambra State governor said the circumstances had changed because both he and Atiku are now candidates representing different political parties.
According to Obi, the issue should therefore be viewed as a potential agreement between political organisations rather than a personal decision between two politicians.
“Where we are now is that I’m a candidate, my leader Atiku is a candidate of another party, so you are talking about two parties coming together,” he said.
He stressed that all the parties involved already have candidates and would have to negotiate if they intend to form a common political arrangement for the 2027 election.
“All those parties have candidates. So, it is a discussion. It is no longer me, as Peter, talking,” Obi stated.
Using a corporate analogy, the former governor explained that an alliance between political parties would require a structured process involving the organisations themselves.
“It is like a situation where two corporations are trying to come together,” he said, adding that the process could not simply be settled by two party leaders agreeing to work together informally.
The remarks come as opposition politicians continue to explore possible alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the objective of mounting a stronger challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
Obi, Atiku and other opposition figures had previously participated in discussions that led to the ADC emerging as a platform for opposition cooperation in 2025.
However, the political landscape has since evolved, with the major figures now pursuing their ambitions through different party structures.
Obi’s latest position leaves the door open for discussions between political parties, but makes clear that he does not view the matter as a simple decision by one presidential candidate to withdraw in favour of another.
As preparations for the 2027 elections intensify, negotiations over possible mergers, alliances and the emergence of a consensus presidential candidate are expected to continue.
