Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have reached a tentative agreement to form a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Truth Live News has gathered from multiple sources close to the negotiations that the trio concluded months of behind-the-scenes talks on Tuesday, culminating in a decision to rally under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—a party that is largely unknown nationally and secured just 82,000 votes in the 2023 presidential election.
While the news has not been officially confirmed, insiders who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the deal revealed that the alliance aims to present a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by consolidating opposition strength and appealing to a broader cross-regional base.
However, a major hurdle remains: who will fly the coalition’s presidential flag.
Atiku, a northern political heavyweight and veteran presidential contender, faces resistance from southern blocs that overwhelmingly supported Peter Obi in 2023. Nigeria’s unwritten but deeply entrenched zoning principle—which rotates presidential power between the North and South—further complicates Atiku’s prospects.
Peter Obi, who commands a vibrant youth base, has previously insisted he would not play second fiddle to Atiku again, a position he held in their unsuccessful 2019 ticket. Accepting a vice-presidential slot in 2027 could severely damage Obi’s credibility among his core supporters, many of whom view him as a symbol of political renewal.
Nasir El-Rufai’s inclusion in the pact adds a new dynamic to the political equation. Known for his strategic acumen and outspoken style, the former governor is seen as a bridge between the traditional northern establishment and reform-minded technocrats.
The ADC has not issued a formal statement, but political analysts believe the merger—if finalized—could redefine Nigeria’s political landscape.
With 2027 still years away, the road to a united opposition front remains fraught with negotiations, trade-offs, and potential fallout. But one thing is clear: the race for Aso Rock has just taken a dramatic new turn.