Despite a recent statement credited to the former Anambra governor, Mr. Peter Obi, that he would contest for the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), discussions for a coalition are still ongoing, Daily Sun has learnt.

Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Obi, are part of those working to form a coalition to contest for election in 2027 and are still having conversations to that effect.

A reliable source privy to the conversation on the coalition told Daily Sun that the masterminds had met several times but the knotty issue about who would be the presidential and vice presidential candidates is yet to be resolved. While a considerable number of those spearheading the coalition are asking Atiku to cede the presidential ticket to a younger individual, a part of the northern political establishment is staunchly backing him. This northern support stems from a belief that the South has occupied the presidential seat for a longer period.

“Some northern elements are supporting an Atiku presidency because they believe that power should return to the North. However, a recurring and critical concern raised within the coalition is the outcome of the 2019 presidential election, where Atiku ran with Obi as his running mate, and the ticket failed. If that alliance did not yield success then, how plausible is it that a similar arrangement or an Atiku-led ticket would produce a different outcome in 2027?” the source queried.

When Daily Sun specifically inquired whether Obi’s recent statement about contesting on the LP platform had torpedoed the ongoing coalition talks, the source dismissed the position, insisting that Obi’s statement lacked a tone of finality. Also, given that conversations are still actively ongoing and no concrete decisions have been taken by the coalition, the former LP candidate, according to the source, could not have realistically stated otherwise regarding his political future. The source suggested that Obi’s statement is being viewed within the opposition circles more as a tactical pronouncement in the absence of a collective agreement rather than a withdrawal from the coalition.

Another critical bone of contention is the selection of a unified platform to serve as a political vehicle for the coalition. Reports had previously circulated that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had been adopted as the party of choice. However, investigations reliably indicate that these reports are not entirely accurate. While sources confirmed that the ADC has consistently championed its adoption by the coalition, and indeed, conversations regarding this have taken place, no firm and definite decision has yet been reached. At the moment, the search for a widely acceptable and strategically viable political home for the coalition remains open.

When Daily Sun reached out to the ADC’s national chairman, Okey Nwosu, for confirmation on the purported adoption of his party by the coalition, he stated that the committee tasked with negotiating on behalf of the party had not yet provided any feedback at the time.

With the talks still ongoing, sources within the coalition’s inner circle are also expressing growing concern about external interference. There are increasing fears among the coalition leaders that pro government elements have successfully infiltrated their movement. (Daily Sun)