The Labour Party has called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw his presidential bid in favour of Peter Obi, warning that a divided opposition would pave the way for President Bola Tinubu’s easy re-election in 2027. Tony Akeni, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, made this appeal during an interview on Arise Television on Friday.
Akeni explained that the decision was reached after a three-day stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where the party concluded that Obi is the only candidate who can unite Nigerians and defeat the All Progressives Congress in the next election. He emphasized that Obi’s candidacy represents the most realistic chance of defeating the ruling party.
According to Akeni, the party’s decision is based on research and study, taking into account the backgrounds and aspirations of both Obi and Atiku. He described both individuals as “giants” in Nigeria’s political landscape, but noted that it is time for them to put aside their individual ambitions and work towards a common goal.
The Labour Party’s call for Atiku to step down is significant, as it highlights the opposition’s concerns about the potential consequences of a divided vote. With the 2027 presidential election approaching, the party is urging its allies to rally behind a single candidate in order to increase their chances of winning.
In the context of Nigeria’s political landscape, the Labour Party’s move is seen as an attempt to strengthen the opposition and provide a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress. The party’s 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 to the call to step down.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Labour Party’s appeal to Atiku is likely to be closely watched by Nigerians and international observers alike. The party’s strategy is aimed at maximizing the opposition’s chances of winning, and it will be important to see how this develops in the lead-up to the 2027 election.
