Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are reportedly collaborating to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Daily Report Nigeria reports that the three presidential candidates lost out in the 2023 presidential elections to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC.
While Atiku and Peter Obi are currently pursuing legal action against Tinubu’s election, Kwankwaso met with President Tinubu in Abuja following his inauguration.
During this meeting, it was reported that the president, who is advocating for a government of national unity, promised Kwankwaso a ministerial position.
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However, Kwankwaso’s name was not included in the list of 48 ministerial nominees set to be sworn in.
According to a report by ThisDay, discussions among the leading members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Labour Party (LP) have been ongoing behind the scenes.
The talks reportedly began between Atiku and Kwankwaso before expanding to include Obi and other PDP stakeholders.
As detailed by Arise TV online, the initial phase of the trio’s meeting revolved around three resolutions.
These three politicians have agreed to await the verdict of the tribunal, as it will determine the subsequent phase of their conversation and collaboration.
Their plan hinges on the tribunal’s ruling; if it goes unfavourably, a second phase of their strategy will be activated.
Insiders familiar with the meeting disclosed that the opposition leaders remain hopeful that the tribunal will deliver a just and fair decision to remove President Tinubu of the APC from office.
Additionally, the trio is optimistic that a rerun election might occur, which could lead to a merger between parties to challenge the APC and President Tinubu’s authority.
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According to the source:
“The initial meeting included Kwankwaso and Atiku, and they have decided to involve Peter Obi to establish a robust opposition following the court cases. Although they haven’t discussed the leadership of the opposition yet, that’s a topic for after the court cases.”
The source further confirmed that if the tribunal’s judgment favours the ruling party, the trio would consider a merger as an option for the 2027 presidential elections.
“After the court cases, they will strategize for reelection or unite for the 2027 election battle. They’re contemplating a strong coalition comprising the PDP, Labour, and NNPP,” the source explained.
