No Talks on Peter Obi Serving as Atiku’s Running Mate

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The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, has firmly dismissed speculation that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is considering a vice-presidential role ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an interview with Punch, Tanko clarified that there are no ongoing discussions suggesting that Obi would accept a running-mate position under former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

According to him, Obi remains focused solely on contesting for the presidency and has not entertained any proposal outside that ambition.

“We have never discussed that option. Peter Obi is running for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria — nothing more, nothing less. There is no conversation whatsoever about him becoming a vice president, and we have already issued a statement to make that clear,” Tanko said.

Tanko’s comments come amid a public debate involving African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dele Momodu and political economist Professor Pat Utomi over Obi’s political direction in 2027 and the ADC presidential ticket.

Momodu had earlier criticised Utomi for insisting that Peter Obi should not accept a vice-presidential position within a proposed 2027 coalition, describing such a stance as undemocratic.

During a television appearance, Utomi had warned that he would withdraw his support for Obi if the former Anambra State governor agreed to run as a vice-presidential candidate.

Responding to Utomi’s remarks, Momodu expressed surprise, arguing that the position failed to reflect political reality or democratic values.

“Anyone who insists that Obi must not run behind another candidate is clearly not a democrat committed to rescuing Nigeria from one-man dominance,” Momodu wrote.

While acknowledging his respect and long-standing relationship with Utomi, Momodu maintained that Nigeria’s political situation demands pragmatic solutions rather than rigid idealism.