Dr. Katch Ononuju, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and special adviser to Mr. Peter Obi, has debunked reports suggesting that the former Labour Party presidential candidate is considering a vice presidential role in any political arrangement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a press statement made available to 9News Nigeria, Dr. Ononuju described the reports as false and baseless, emphasizing that Mr. Obi is not interested in what he termed a “phantom” vice presidential offer.
“Atiku’s manipulative acrobatics are intended to preempt the governors who are about to announce a decision on zoning,” Ononuju stated. “Please disregard Atiku, who is trying to offer Peter Obi a VP position when he does not yet have the ticket of any party. The period for manipulations is over, and Peter Obi is not interested in a vice presidential position to anyone.”
He further noted that the presidency has only been in the South for two years and that Mr. Obi, if elected, could complete a full term for the South. “Atiku Abubakar is inordinately desperate and offensively manipulative. Nigerians should please disregard his acrobatics,” he added.
Earlier reports by 9News Nigeria had indicated that Atiku Abubakar had offered Peter Obi the position of vice president in a proposed one-term power-sharing deal ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The proposal was reportedly discussed during a private meeting in the United Kingdom earlier this year.
Contrary to the reports, the Obidient Movement has also dismissed claims that Peter Obi accepted the offer. In a statement signed by Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communication and Media for the Movement, the group described the reports as “imaginary” and misleading. The release noted that the group had received numerous inquiries from concerned supporters both within and outside the country seeking clarification.
Meanwhile, fresh developments suggest that Peter Obi is set to formally declare his intention to run for the 2027 presidential election. Sources close to the matter revealed that he is expected to announce the political platform under which he will contest in the coming days, following the collapse of any potential coalition with Atiku Abubakar.
