The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party, has criticized recent interactions between Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labor Party, labeling them as politicians too desperate to be entrusted with the nation’s leadership.
Amidst speculations of a possible alliance, the APC dismissed such a partnership as an act of desperation, solely aimed at preventing current President Bola Tinubu from securing a second term come 2027.
Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, shared these sentiments in a press release from Abuja, entitled “Atiku, Obi united by mutual desperation.”
The recent meeting between Atiku and Obi gained widespread attention after Atiku tweeted, “It was my honour and privilege to host #PeterObi today.” The Labor Party’s Peter Obi was also seen with high-profile PDP members Bukola Saraki and Sule Lamido, fueling further speculation.
Reflecting on past electoral outcomes, both Atiku and Obi, who ran together in 2019 under the PDP, faced defeat by Muhammadu Buhari. Their individual ventures in 2023 also fell short against Tinubu.
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Following the Supreme Court’s validation of Tinubu’s 2023 victory, Atiku has openly called for opposition unity, stating readiness to spearhead a coalition against Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
The APC has observed these unfolding events with skepticism, questioning the future paths of Atiku and Obi. Morka commented on the nature of their political journeys and the hinted reunion in a coalition geared towards the next presidential race.
Morka stated, “The news of Peter Obi’s return to the PDP would be hardly surprising. His reputation as a political wayfarer is only dwarfed by Atiku’s track record as a veteran political wanderer.”
He further added, “News of Atiku joining the Labour Party will shock no one as he will be living up to his well-established reputation as the country’s most itinerant politician.”
Amidst discussions of a new political mega party led by Pat Utomi, the APC spokesman underscored the centrality of personal ambition in Atiku and Obi’s efforts, rather than a genuine commitment to transformative leadership.
He concluded, “Atiku and Obi are united by their mutual desperation to be President of Nigeria and the ignoble disdain for President Bola Tinubu’s focused and extraordinary commitment to the transformation of our nation.”
Morka asserted that Atiku and Obi’s characteristics render them unfit for the presidency, warning that they are incapable of rising to the nation’s challenges.
SOURCE: Africa Today News, New York
