Atiku and Obi Reflecting on 2023 Election Lessons
Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi are reflecting on the lessons learned from the last election. This was revealed by Paul Ibe, Atiku’s spokesman, during an interview on Channels Television on Monday.
Ibe shared that both leaders are focused on opposition unity and are engaged in discussions to avoid repeating past mistakes. “There are ongoing discussions among political stakeholders to ensure that the same mistakes are not repeated,” Ibe stated.
Responding to claims that Peter Obi’s departure from the PDP had cost Atiku the election, Ibe dismissed the assertion. He also addressed a statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, who urged Northern politicians to let President Bola Tinubu serve two terms until 2031. Akume suggested that a “gentleman’s agreement” existed for Tinubu to complete eight years before any Northern politician, including Atiku, could aspire to succeed him.
While acknowledging that Atiku has had presidential ambitions since 1992, Ibe rejected Akume’s suggestion, asserting that it is not within anyone’s right to dictate when a politician can contest for the presidency. He emphasized that the political space should remain open for all parties and candidates.
Atiku and Obi’s recent meeting in Yola has sparked speculation about a potential alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with reports suggesting that a merger between their camps could be in the works. Obi was the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), owned by Atiku, which also marked the university’s 16th Founder’s Day.
