Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said any possible opposition alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election must be negotiated by political parties rather than individual candidates.
Obi made the remarks during an exclusive interview on Arise News on Thursday, September 10, 2026, while responding to questions about whether he would step down for African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, or accept a vice-presidential position in a potential coalition.
“It’s no longer me or him… You’re now talking about parties coming together. All those parties have candidates. So, it’s a discussion that is no longer me as Peter talking,” Obi said.
He explained that because he and Atiku are now presidential candidates of different political parties, neither could independently decide to withdraw from the race without considering the interests of the organisations supporting them.
Obi likened a potential political merger to two corporations coming together, arguing that such a process cannot be decided solely by their chief executives.
He also dismissed reports that he had rejected an offer to become Atiku’s running mate.
“Who said so? Where? I wasn’t even in any party where that offer was on the table,” Obi said.
The comments come amid continued speculation over efforts by opposition figures to form a formidable coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 election.
Obi and Atiku had previously been associated with broader opposition efforts centred around the ADC, but both have since emerged as presidential candidates of separate parties. Despite the political realignment, discussions about a possible joint platform or consensus candidate have continued.
Obi maintained that any cooperation should be guided by issues including national unity, the rule of law, accountability, education, healthcare, job creation and poverty reduction.
