The Labour Party has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw his presidential bid in favour of Peter Obi, warning that a divided opposition could pave the way for President Bola Tinubu’s easy re‑election in 2027. The appeal was made by Tony Akeni, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, during an interview on Arise Television on Friday.
Akeni said the decision followed a three‑day stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where the party concluded that Obi is the only candidate capable of uniting Nigerians and defeating the All Progressives Congress in the next election. He stressed that Obi’s candidacy offers the most realistic chance of overturning the ruling party. According to Akeni, the party’s stance is based on research and study, taking into account the backgrounds and aspirations of both Obi and Atiku. While describing both men as “giants” in Nigeria’s political landscape, he added that it is time for them to set aside personal ambitions and work toward a common goal.
The Labour Party’s call for Atiku to step down highlights opposition concerns about the consequences of a fragmented vote. With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the party is urging its allies to rally behind a single candidate to improve their chances of winning. In Nigeria’s political context, this move is seen as an attempt to strengthen the opposition and present a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress. The decision to back Obi’s candidacy is likely to have significant implications for the upcoming election, and it remains to be seen how Atiku and other opposition leaders will respond. As the political landscape evolves, the Labour Party’s appeal to Atiku will be closely watched by Nigerians and international observers alike, as the strategy aims to maximise the opposition’s prospects in the lead‑up to the 2027 vote.
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