Peter Obi Denies Rejecting Atiku’s VP Offer, Says No Such Proposal Was Made

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has denied reports that he turned down an offer to become Atiku Abubakar’s running mate for the 2027 presidential election.

Obi made the clarification during an interview with Arise TV while discussing the possibility of opposition parties working together ahead of the election.

Atiku and Obi were among opposition leaders who came together in 2025 under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of efforts to form a stronger political platform.

The arrangement later fell apart as members moved in different directions.

Obi eventually became the NDC presidential candidate, while Atiku emerged as the ADC candidate.

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Speaking about the possibility of another alliance, Obi said the issue should not be viewed as a personal contest between him and Atiku.

He explained that any agreement would have to involve the political parties and their structures, rather than decisions being made by the two politicians alone.

“I’m a candidate, yes. So, my leader, Atiku, is a candidate of another party. I am a candidate for another party. So, you are talking about two parties coming together; it is no longer him or me.

“All those parties have candidates. So, it is a discussion. It is no longer me, as Peter is talking. It is like a situation where two corporations are trying to come together. It is no longer something the two CEOs go to a drink and say we are going to work together. They need to look at how to bring these two corporations together,” he said.

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Peter Obi was also asked about claims that he had previously rejected the possibility of serving as a vice-presidential candidate.

He dismissed the claim, saying he was never presented with such an offer in the first place.

“I don’t know where that was said. I wasn’t even in a position where that was being offered, and I refused,” he said.

Obi and Atiku previously worked together during the 2019 presidential election, when Obi served as Atiku’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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However, the two men ran against each other in the 2023 election, with Obi contesting under the Labour Party (LP) and Atiku representing the PDP.

Peter Obi said he would support any opposition arrangement that could help improve the country.

He listed national unity, respect for the rule of law, security, accountable leadership, better education and healthcare, and job creation among the areas he wants such an alliance to address.

“I want to be part of any coalition that will make Nigeria work. That will make Nigeria productive. That will create jobs for the young ones. That will pull people out of poverty. That will make education work,” Obi added.

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