Peter Obi dismisses claims he's avoiding Atiku Abubakar ahead of 2027

The former Labour Party presidential candidate and 2027 presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has rejected suggestions that he is shying away from political competition with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the next general election.

Obi stated that his political choices are not motivated by fear of any individual but by what he described as the urgent need to reposition Nigeria through competent and accountable leadership.

Responding to growing speculation about potential alliances, mergers and opposition strategies for 2027, Obi maintained that democracy depends on open participation and healthy political competition.

The former Anambra State governor also stressed that his focus remains on issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, including the economy, insecurity, unemployment and governance challenges, rather than on political rivalry or personal ambition.

His comments come amid increasing discussions over the shape of the opposition ahead of the next presidential race, particularly as major political figures are expected to influence coalition talks and party realignments in the coming months.

Observers say Obi’s remarks may further fuel debate over the future direction of opposition politics in Nigeria, especially as supporters of different political blocs continue to push either for a united front or separate presidential ambitions ahead of 2027.

The statement has already drawn reactions across political circles and social media, with supporters interpreting it as a signal that Obi remains determined to pursue an independent political path despite mounting pressure for broader opposition negotiations.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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