The political camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has initiated a search. They are actively seeking a southern politician. This individual would serve as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election. Reports from Sunday Punch indicate their primary focus. They have narrowed their options to Peter Obi. Obi was the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 elections. However, there are suggestions of a fallback plan. If Obi declines the offer, Atiku may consider former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Momodu Urges Atiku-Obi Alliance

Veteran journalist Dele Momodu, a political associate of Atiku, has publicly appealed to Obi. He urged him to join Atiku. The goal is to form a formidable opposition pact. This alliance would challenge the ruling party. Speaking to Punch, Momodu emphasized the urgency. He described Atiku and Obi as pivotal figures. He believes they can forge the strongest alliance Nigeria has seen. This would surpass any since the 2019 elections.

Nigerians will recall their previous collaboration. Atiku and Obi ran on a joint People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in 2019. They, however, lost to then-incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

Frustration Over Delays and The Amaechi Option

Momodu expressed frustration. He pointed to public pushback from Obi’s supporters. He believes this is hindering the finalization of a prospective match-up. This delay could affect the 2027 electoral landscape. “They want every party to have only southern candidates,” Momodu stated. “This prevents strong opposition from the North. No Southern candidate can defeat Tinubu.”

He revealed past discussions with Obi. “I have told Peter Obi this,” Momodu said. “We’ve met several times. If Peter Obi fails to seize this ready-made union with Atiku, it would be truly unfortunate. It would be akin to working for Tinubu’s return.”

Momodu issued a stark warning. Continued delay could cost Obi a significant political opportunity. He suggested Atiku might then settle for Amaechi as his running mate. “Many people underestimate Amaechi,” Momodu cautioned. “Amaechi single-handedly delivered power to Buhari. What FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is doing now, Amaechi did very effectively as Rivers State governor. Amaechi mobilized more than anyone for Buhari, even more than Tinubu. If Obi does not decide soon or chooses to run independently, I believe the mantle could fall on Rotimi Amaechi.”

The Urgency of Decision

On efforts to politically reconcile the two figures, Momodu reiterated his message to Obi. “There is no time to waste,” he stressed. “The person you aim to unseat is already President. He holds all the advantages. He is either coercing or cajoling governors and senators to join him. He seeks to project a false image. He wants to appear as if everyone loves him. He understands his strategy.”

“He wants to create an illusion,” Momodu continued. “He desires to seem undefeatable. Then, when their manipulations succeed, they will say, ‘What did you expect?’ Despite their schemes in 2023, they lost Lagos to Obi. They lost Osun to Governor Ademola Adeleke. Obi needs to make up his mind. For now, his party affiliation remains unclear. PDP is faltering, and LP has crumbled. Where does he intend to go?”