Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, have intensified their political consultations in recent weeks, LEADERSHIP checks revealed yesterday.
Atiku and Obi have in the past one week embarked on strategic visitations to top political figures across the country. While details of their meetings are not made public, the political actors have openly stated that discussions dwelled on the state of the nation.
Atiku and Obi contested the 2019 presidential election with the former as candidate and the latter as running mate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
They have both dumped PDP and are now in the coalition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC) where they are both keen on seeking the party’s presidential ticket in 2027.
Meanwhile, Obi is being wooed by PDP leaders to return, having zoned their ticket to the South.
However, checks by LEADERSHIP reveal that Atiku and Obi have been extending their political engagements with political stakeholders ahead of 2027.
Shortly after his return from a foreign trip, Atiku, who recently declared his intention to contest in 2027, had met with some northern politicians, including former APC governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar; Senator Halliru Jika; and Senator Sulaiman Nazi Gamawa.
On Tuesday, he visited former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, a PDP chieftain, who had supported former President Goodluck Jonathan’s return to PDP.
Speaking on his visit to Lamido on his X handle, Atiku said, “Last night, I met with former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, in his residence in Abuja. We discussed extensively on the state of the nation and how we can all collaborate to redeem the current situation.”
On the same day, he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the United States Ambassador, Richard M. Mills Jr., in Abuja.
After the meeting, he said, “Our discussion focused on strengthening the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in the areas of advancing democracy, security, and promoting shared prosperity.”
The former vice president also visited elder statesman and former PDP national chairman, Dr Bamanga Tukur, on his 90th birthday recently.
He also paid a courtesy visit to former Governor of Sokoto State, Attaihu Bafarawa, at his residence in Abuja.
He also hosted political stakeholders from Borno State, led by Hon. Mohammed Kumaila at his residence in Abuja.
Obi has also visited some top political leaders in the past one week. He met with former President Jonathan last week, describing their discussion as a fruitful deliberation on national issues.
This week, the former Anambra government met with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was accompanied on the visit to Obasanjo with Dr Yunusa Tanko, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour Vivour and Segun Adebanjo. Obi thereafter visited the new Olubadan of Ibadan kabiyesi Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja.
He also met with the leadership of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere under the leadership of Oba Oladipo Olaitan, who is also the leader of ethnic Nigerian nationalities, comprising PANDEF and Middle Belt Forum.
“I sincerely thank them for their courage for always standing out for fearless justice and the unity of our country, and urge them not to relent.
“We had a useful meeting and discussed extensively about the current situation in our country, especially in the critical areas of education, health and pulling people out of poverty.”
He also visited former minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami at his residence.
After their meeting Pantami, on his X handle said, “Last night, I received a friendly visit from His Excellency Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party.
“We discussed a range of issues, including agriculture, economy, education, artificial intelligence, global statistics, and unity in diversity, among others. My family and I are most appreciative of the visit,” he said.
