2027 Presidency: Peter Obi Advised to Shun Atiku Ticket as PDP Faces Uncertainty

2027 presidency: the election draws near, the political atmosphere is already heating up with speculations and strategic maneuverings. One of the key developments sparking debate is the potential alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate. However, seasoned journalist and public affairs analyst, Habib Aruna, has poured cold water on the possibility of Obi serving as Atiku’s running mate, warning that such a move could prove counterproductive.

During a recent interview with News Central, Aruna provided a critical analysis of the current political landscape, particularly the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He described the party as fractured and ill-equipped to lead a successful campaign, adding that Atiku, a long-time PDP presidential hopeful, is increasingly becoming a political burden rather than an asset.

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“Atiku has become, he’s becoming increasingly a liability,” Aruna remarked, pointing out that the PDP has failed to recover from past electoral missteps and lacks the internal cohesion necessary to mount a formidable challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Obi Seen as the Political Ace, Not a Running Mate

Aruna was emphatic in stating that Peter Obi holds the “joker card” for the opposition’s 2027 strategy. He highlighted Obi’s growing popularity, particularly among the youth and on social media platforms, as a major political asset that should not be undermined by settling for a secondary role in a coalition.

“Obi has grown from 2023 till now. The man is popular, the man is pragmatic, the man is charismatic,” Aruna stated. He urged Obi’s camp to recognize the strength of their position and consider all options thoroughly before aligning with Atiku, suggesting that any such alliance could be a misstep given the way Obi was treated during his previous stint in the PDP.

Obi left the PDP in the lead-up to the 2023 election, citing a lack of internal democracy and transparency, and launched his presidential campaign under the Labour Party platform, where he gained significant momentum and grassroots support.

A Weak PDP Could Undermine Strategic Partnerships

Aruna echoed the criticisms made by the APC, describing the PDP as “a dead body that has refused to be buried.” He observed that recent attempts to revive the party’s organs and structures have failed, and that the party remains engulfed in internal wrangling and leadership disputes.

Despite this, Aruna acknowledged that Peter Obi could be a saving grace for the PDP—if the party is willing to respect his influence and credibility. “The only way to save PDP now… Obi can save PDP from collapse,” he said.

However, he raised doubts about whether the party could accommodate the competing egos of both Atiku and Obi. “Can PDP manage Atiku’s ego and Obi’s vision? That is the big question,” Aruna mused.

He advised Obi’s followers to “play the politics well,” ensuring that they don’t trade away the former governor’s growing influence for a compromised position in a flawed partnership. Instead, he suggested that Obi’s political capital be used to shape the direction of the 2027 race, not merely support an existing establishment figure.

Calls for Strategic Political Engagement Over Desperation

In conclusion, Habib Aruna’s remarks emphasize the need for calculated political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections. His analysis paints Atiku as a diminishing force in Nigerian politics, while positioning Obi as a transformative figure capable of redefining opposition strategy if he remains independent and strategic.

For many observers, the key question remains: Will Peter Obi forge a new path on his own, or risk dilution of his influence by merging forces with a struggling PDP? Either way, the political stage is set for what promises to be a defining election cycle in Nigeria’s democratic journey.