The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the potential merger talk between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party as a desperate move by politicians who cannot be trusted with power. The ruling party expressed skepticism about the meeting between the two opposition candidates, suggesting it was driven by a mutual desperation to prevent President Bola Tinubu from returning to office in 2027.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, the party described Atiku and Obi as "desperate politicians" who lack the staying power to lead the country. The statement, titled "Atiku, Obi united by mutual desperation," emphasized that the meeting between the two politicians would likely amount to nothing substantial.
The meeting between Atiku and Obi, which took place on May 13, has fueled speculation about a possible alliance between the two and their respective parties ahead of the 2027 election. Atiku, who lost the 2019 election alongside Obi, has called for unity among major opposition parties to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
Morka acknowledged the heightened speculations but questioned whether Obi would return to the PDP or if Atiku would join the Labour Party. He criticized both politicians for their perceived lack of commitment to their parties and their "self-indulgent and opportunistic" aspirations for the presidency.
The APC spokesman urged Nigerians to support the party and President Tinubu's commitment to delivering a stronger, more prosperous country. He argued that Atiku and Obi's track records as "political wanderers" make them unreliable candidates to tackle the country's challenges.
