Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has rejected claims that he turned down an offer to serve as the running mate to African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi said he had never been in a political party or position where he was presented with an offer to become Atiku’s running mate and subsequently rejected it.
The former Anambra State governor had, in September 2024, addressed speculation surrounding his possible political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections, saying: “When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election.
“I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.
“My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words. For the avoidance of doubt, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal.”
Speaking during an interview with Arise Television aired on Thursday, Obi was asked to respond to reports that he had declined to run alongside Atiku.
He said: “Who said so? Where? I wasn’t even in any party where that offer was on the table. I wasn’t even in a position where it was being offered and I refused.”
Asked whether he would withdraw his presidential bid in favour of Atiku, the NDC candidate said the political situation had moved beyond an individual decision, noting that both men are now presidential candidates of different political parties.
Obi said: “Do you know where we are now? Where we are now is that I’m a candidate, my leader Atiku is a candidate of another party, so you are talking about two parties coming together. It’s no longer me or him, as you are now talking about parties coming together.
“All those parties have candidates, so it’s no longer me as Peter talking. It’s like a situation where you have two corporations coming together. It’s no longer two CEOs going for a drink and saying, ‘We are going to work together.’ It’s not me saying I don’t want to be this or that. No, we have passed that stage.”
