Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has firmly dismissed reports suggesting he has stepped down from the 2027 presidential race in favour of former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The reports, which circulated widely online, alleged that Atiku who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election had agreed to support Obi for the presidency on a one-term basis in the interest of regional balance.
The speculation quickly gained traction amid ongoing discussions about possible opposition alliances ahead of the next general election.
However, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, swiftly shut down the claims. Reacting on Saturday, December 27, Ibe took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account to debunk the report, sharing a screenshot of the story and writing bluntly:“Fake news: Not on the menu!”
The denial has sparked renewed debate among supporters of both Atiku and Peter Obi, with many weighing possible political permutations and alliance options as 2027 approaches. While some see collaboration among opposition figures as inevitable, Atiku’s camp has made it clear that he has not withdrawn from the race nor endorsed any candidate.
The development is also coming amid reports that Peter Obi may be planning to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move that has further fueled speculation about realignments within Nigeria’s opposition bloc.
With more than a year to go before formal campaign activities begin, political calculations are already intensifying across party lines.
For now, Atiku Abubakar has drawn a clear line that he is not stepping aside for anyone as the race toward 2027 gradually takes shape.
