Sunday saw the denunciation by major opposition parties of claims that they are having conversations with Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), about a rumored merger.
There has been rumors since last week that suggest a potential coalition to challenge the ruling party in the next election.
Reports of merger talks with the PDP were denied by Tanko Yunusa, the spokesperson for the Labour Party (LP), and Ladipo Johnson, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
The speculation had been fueled by statements made by Ibrahim Abdullahi, Deputy National Spokesman for the PDP, who claimed on a live political programme that Atiku, Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso (NNPP) were in discussions about forming an alliance to address Nigeria’s issues of hunger and insecurity ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Paul Ibe, Atiku’s media adviser, concurred with this opinion, insisting that Atiku has been steadfast in his calls for an opposition coalition to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges. According to Ibe, the opposition’s cooperation has become more urgent, given the economic struggles and insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ibe stated, “Atiku has consistently advocated for an alliance among opposition leaders. With Nigeria in its current state of economic distress and rising insecurity, forming a united front is more necessary than ever.”
Kwankwaso also dismissed the importance of the PDP, asserting that the party ‘died’ after he and his followers left. He expressed confidence in NNPP’s strength and their ability to win the 2027 presidential election.
When asked about official communications between Atiku and other opposition figures, Ibe was hesitant to respond, saying that such conversations are not held on the pages of newspapers.
Despite acknowledging the possibility of future talks, Ladipo Johnson from the NNPP confirmed that there were no formal discussions between the PDP and his party.
Kwankwaso also dismissed the importance of the PDP, asserting that the party ‘died’ after he and his followers left. He expressed confidence in NNPP’s strength and their ability to win the 2027 presidential election.
Tanko Yunusa, the Labour Party spokesperson, voiced skepticism regarding the merger rumors. He emphasized that Peter Obi’s focus was on strengthening the party’s grassroots structure after learning from the shortcomings of the last election. Yunusa indicated that LP is concentrating on expanding its presence nationwide rather than merging with other parties.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central, advised Obi not to leave the Labour Party and warned that those encouraging him may lead him down a ‘wild goose chase’.
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