Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has cautioned Labour Party’s Peter Obi against accepting any offer to serve as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2027 elections. He warned that such a move would diminish Obi’s credibility and reduce him to a political “spare tyre” in an alliance that would not benefit him or his supporters.
Kachikwu, who made this known in a recent statement, said Obi risks betraying the hope and trust Nigerians have invested in him if he plays second fiddle in any future political arrangement. He described any potential Obi-Atiku ticket as a backward step that would destroy the former Anambra governor’s political momentum and brand.
According to Kachikwu, aligning with Atiku would make Obi appear desperate for power instead of staying true to the ideals that earned him massive grassroots support during the 2023 general elections. He insisted that Nigerians did not vote for Obi just to see him back another old political figure but to lead a true political revolution that would redefine governance.
He urged Obi to focus on rebuilding the Labour Party and preparing it as a credible third force, rather than surrendering his ambition to political veterans who have had their chance. He added that any coalition that seeks to make Obi a subordinate figure is not one that values genuine change.
Kachikwu also advised the opposition to avoid misleading political arrangements that would only favour career politicians, urging instead a united, youth-driven front that puts the interests of Nigerians above political convenience.