Business, Politics

Atiku and Peter Obi Play Down 2027 Ambitions, Reaffirm Strong Friendship in Yola Meeting

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 1st, 2024.

Atiku and Peter Obi Play Down 2027 Ambitions, Reaffirm Strong Friendship in Yola Meeting

Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), both former presidential candidates in the 2023 election, have dismissed any speculation about planning for the 2027 race.

Their comments came following a recent meeting in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, where the two were seen together over breakfast. A video surfaced showing the two seated at a dining table, seemingly enjoying a meal.

Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, clarified that the gathering was simply a reunion between two long-time friends. He told journalists that Obi had been invited to deliver the keynote address at the 20th anniversary of the American University of Nigeria (AUN) and its 16th Founder’s Day celebrations, a significant event for the institution. Ibe emphasized that the occasion was not politically motivated, pointing out that Obi’s invitation was in recognition of the milestone, with Atiku, the university’s founder, acting as a host.

“We should not read too much into this,” Ibe said. “The fact is, Obi was invited to speak at a major university event, and politics had no role in it. Politics cannot break the bond between friends.”

Similarly, Obi’s media assistant, Ibrahim Umar, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the meeting had no political implications. “It was simply an invitation to speak at a university event. There’s no political agenda here, though people may always speculate,” Umar explained.