The Labour Party has thrown the political table into fresh turbulence, warning that the 2027 presidential election could slip through the opposition’s fingers again; unless heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar swallow their pride and unite behind one candidate – Peter Obi.
The call came from a camp within the LP, loyal to former Anambra governor Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who believe time is running out to avoid another divided opposition and another win for the ruling APC.
“Atiku should search his conscience. If he truly loves Nigeria, let him support Obi,” said Prince Tony Akeni, LP’s interim National Publicity Secretary, in an interview.
“He can even pick his last born as vice president. Just step aside and let us rescue Nigeria properly this time.”
Akeni described the 2027 presidential race as a historic opportunity to reverse the damage of APC’s rule; but only if ambition doesn’t get in the way.
“Tinubu will be the easiest incumbent to defeat in 2027,” he said. “The only thing that can stop that is if Atiku insists on contesting again, no matter the cost.”
He warned that the APC government is already wobbling under what he described as “greed and non-stop defections,” likening it to a boat that’s already sinking from too much political baggage.
“Tinubu is carrying a nest of soldier ants into his scrotum,” he said. “We in LP actually sympathise with him. When the crash comes, we’ll remind him we warned him.”
Akeni doubled down on Peter Obi’s leadership style, saying the former governor has the discipline and national vision to turn the country around if given the chance.
“He’s like Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew – serious, frugal, focused on merit, not tribe or religion,” Akeni said. “With the right team of patriotic Nigerians, Obi can rebuild this country.”
Atiku, who came second in the 2023 presidential race under the PDP, has made it clear that he’s not backing down for Obi or anyone else.
While he agrees on the need for a strong opposition coalition, Atiku insists that leadership must emerge through broad consultations, not personal sacrifice.
“We need unity, yes – but that unity must be structured. Not emotional,” the former VP has said in recent interviews.
It’s worth noting that the Labour Party itself isn’t exactly speaking with one voice. The party is still divided between two factions – one loyal to Julius Abure, and the other aligned with Obi and Otti.
Still, LP leaders like Ayo Olorunfemi, the party’s Deputy National Chairman, say Nigerians must stop seeing politics as drama.
“What we’re seeing is not anarchy, it’s just politics,” he said. “People are responsible for their choices. In 2015, Nigerians made a choice and they’re living with the consequences.”
As 2027 draws near, the big question remains – Will opposition leaders like Atiku and Obi work together to take on Tinubu or will divided ambitions hand APC another win?.
