By Isaac Mission
Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has clarified his position on ongoing efforts to unite opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi said any agreement involving opposition parties should be negotiated and driven by the political parties concerned rather than being treated as a personal arrangement between individual presidential contenders.
He made the clarification during an interview with Arise TV on Thursday, amid continuing discussions over a possible opposition alliance.
Opposition figures had earlier met in Abuja on August 31 under the G-100 platform to explore ways of working together ahead of the 2027 election.
Obi: Merger Is Beyond Personal Ambitions
Addressing questions about whether he would withdraw his presidential ambition in favour of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or accept a running-mate position, Obi said the matter should be viewed as a discussion between political parties.
He explained that since he and Atiku are candidates representing different political platforms, any possible merger would have to involve the leadership and structures of the respective parties.
Obi likened such an arrangement to a corporate merger, stressing that the process should not be reduced to negotiations between two individuals.
He said a meaningful opposition coalition should be based on issues such as good governance, security, employment and economic productivity rather than simply determining who gets which political position.
The former Anambra State governor also rejected reports that he had previously declined an offer to become Atiku's running mate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.
Obi said he was not in a position where such an offer had been formally made to him.
The two politicians previously contested the 2019 presidential election together under the Peoples Democratic Party, with Obi serving as Atiku's running mate. They later pursued separate presidential bids in the 2023 election.
Kwankwaso Wants Atiku Out of 2027 Race
Meanwhile, Obi's running mate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged Atiku to reconsider his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso made the call on Thursday while receiving members of the Fulani Farmers Association at his residence in Abuja.
He suggested that Atiku should concentrate on his traditional position as Wazirin Adamawa, pointing to the former vice president's age and health.
Atiku is expected to turn 80 in 2027 and had previously indicated that the forthcoming election could be his last attempt at becoming president.
Obi Criticises Tinubu's Economic Policies
During the interview, Obi also criticised the Federal Government's management of funds expected to have been freed following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
He argued that the resources should have been channelled into productive sectors such as agriculture, education and support for small and medium-sized businesses.
Obi questioned the economic gains from the subsidy removal, saying Nigerians had yet to see sufficient benefits despite the policy and increased government borrowing.
He cited healthcare infrastructure as an area that could receive greater attention, noting that about N100 billion could reportedly be enough to establish 25 cancer treatment centres across the country.
The NDC candidate said that, if elected, his administration would halt non-essential capital projects and concentrate spending on critical areas, including roads, schools and healthcare.
He also reiterated his promise to serve only one four-year presidential term if given the opportunity to govern Nigeria.