Public affairs analyst, Jide Ojo, has suggested that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may be acting on internal assurances that he will secure the 2027 presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following his defection.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Ojo speculated that an understanding may already exist within the party that its most prominent figure, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, could step aside for Obi.
“Perhaps former presidential candidate under the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, knows something we don’t know. Maybe the negotiation has been concluded in the ADC that its most prominent member, Atiku Abubakar, will step down for him, and that will pave the way for him to be the presidential candidate of the ADC,” he said.
Ojo argued that Obi’s confidence about contesting in 2027 points to potential behind-the-scenes agreements, adding that politics is driven by interest rather than sentiment. “Politics is a game of interest. People who are involved in politicking are not doing it for the sake of charity. They want to win power, and whatever will give them power is what they go after,” he said. He maintained that it would be unlikely for Obi to defect again soon if these negotiations are already in place.
Ojo also referenced reports of conditions being discussed, including an alleged one-term agreement if elected. “What I’ve also heard is that part of the negotiation could be that Peter Obi would do one term if Atiku steps down for him… and if they are able to win the 2027 presidential election, he will do one term to pave the way for a northern candidate in 2031,” he added.