In anticipation of potential developments during the ongoing transition period in the country, 2023 presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi have opened discussions regarding the feasibility of a merger.
The primary objective behind this merger is to establish a robust political party capable of offering a more potent challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to a Thisday report.
According to the report, discussions involving these three influential political leaders have been ongoing for a significant duration. The series of meetings commenced with a dialogue between Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Kwankwaso, who held the position of presidential candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) during the 2023 presidential election.
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Upon the success of these initial discussions, the next phase evolved with the inclusion of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) whose emergence birthed the Obidient Movement.
Key figures within the PDP have also been brought into these discussions following the mutual agreement of the initial stakeholders.
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The current discussions are still in their preliminary stages and are anchored on two primary pillars. According to insiders, the first aspect entails a strategic decision to monitor the outcomes of election petitions in court. These legal verdicts would significantly influence the subsequent course of action.
Insiders have disclosed that the leaders are cautiously optimistic that the presidential election tribunal will uphold principles of fairness and justice. They hope for a ruling that underscores the inadequacies of the election that led to President Bola Tinubu’s assumption of office, rendering it unsatisfactory under scrutiny.
In such a scenario, the leaders anticipate the tribunal would necessitate a re-election or a rerun, prompting them to consolidate forces through a merger to contest the election anew. This would constitute their second opportunity to challenge both Tinubu and the APC.
However, if the tribunal delivers an alternative verdict, the leaders are purportedly contemplating the formation of a robust political party in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This strategy aims to position them for a successful bid to assume power, seeking to supplant the current ruling APC.
A source said, “The meeting started with Kwankwaso and Atiku and they have agreed to bring Peter Obi in to set up a formidable opposition after the court cases. Although they have not got to the point of discussing who will lead the opposition, they are leaving it out for now till after the court cases.
“After the court cases, they will plan and come together for a re-election or stand together ahead to fight the 2027 election battle. They are considering a formidable party comprising the PDP, Labour and NNPP.”
