Abuja’s FCT The three candidates Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Peter Obi have begun merger negotiations amid rumours that the ruling of the presidential election petition tribunal may result in a re-run election. ThisDay claims that discussions among the presidential bannermen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Labour Party (LP) have been going on behind the scenes for some time.
According to reports, discussions began between Atiku and Kwankwaso and then developed into a meeting between Obi and other PDP stakeholders. According to online news source Arise TV, the preliminary phase of the discussion between the three parties depended on three resolutions. The article indicated that the three had decided to hold off until the tribunal’s decision, which would determine when the three opposition party leaders would move on to the next stage of their dialogue. This was predicated on the idea that if the tribunal’s decision was unfavourable, a second phase would follow. According to those with knowledge of the discussion, the opposition leaders were hopeful that the tribunal’s decision to remove All Progressives Congress (APC) President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from office would be “just and fair.”
The source further revealed that these leaders were hoping for a rerun because they believed it would likely lead to a merger that would allow them to dethrone the APC and President Tinubu. 2027 merger of LP, PDP, and NNPP “The meeting started with Kwankwaso and Atiku, and they have agreed to bring Peter Obi in to set up a formidable opposition after the court cases,” the source stated. “Although they have not gotten to the point of discussing who will lead the opposition, they are leaving it out for now until after the court cases.” The insider added that the ruling party would need to have the option of resorting to a merger for the 2027 presidential elections should the tribunal’s decision be in its favour. The insider stated: “After the court trials, they will strategize and unite to run for re-election in 2027 or stand together to do so. They are discussing forming a strong party with the NNPP, PDP, and Labour.
