2027 Presidential Rumors: Atiku and Obi Deny Joint Bid After Viral Breakfast Reunion

By Achimi Muktar

Speculations about a possible alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have been firmly denied by both camps following their widely publicized breakfast meeting in Adamawa State.

Social media buzzed with theories of a joint ticket for the 2027 presidential election after Atiku shared a video on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, captioned, “It is breakfast time with my friend, #PeterObi, in the ‘land of beauty.’” The footage showed the two leaders sharing a table and enjoying a meal, sparking speculation of a political reunion.

This meeting came months after the Deputy National Spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibrahim Abdullahi, hinted at ongoing discussions among Atiku, Obi, and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso about forming a formidable alliance to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Setting the Record Straight

Reacting to the buzz, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims of a political agenda behind the meeting. According to Ibe, the breakfast was merely a reunion between two friends during Obi’s visit to deliver a keynote address at the 20th anniversary and Founder’s Day celebration of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), which Atiku founded.

“Let us not jump the gun,” Ibe stated. “Obi was the keynote speaker at a significant milestone for AUN. Atiku invited him to breakfast as a friend, and they attended the event together. Politics cannot separate true friends.”

Similarly, Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, denied any political discussions or plans for a joint 2027 bid. Umar described the assumptions as far-fetched, attributing the public reaction to Nigerians’ tendency to attach political meanings to such interactions.

“There’s nothing political about it,” Umar clarified. “He was there to deliver a speech, and that’s all. People will always assume, but this meeting had no political undertones.”

A History of Speculation

The rumors align with earlier comments from PDP’s Abdullahi, who suggested that Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso might bury their differences for a united front in 2027. While such a coalition would shake up Nigeria’s political landscape, both leaders have consistently rebuffed the idea of merging their ambitions.

Breakfast Diplomacy or Political Strategy?

Despite the denials, the breakfast meeting has reignited conversations about the possibility of Nigeria’s opposition uniting against APC dominance. While Atiku and Obi insist their reunion was personal, political analysts believe their combined influence could reshape the 2027 elections if they decide to join forces.

For now, Nigerians will have to wait and see if this friendship evolves into a political powerhouse—or remains just that: a friendship.