The unexpected emergence of campaign posters featuring the image of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi alongside that of former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has sparked significant controversy across various online platforms.

This coalition, which many did not anticipate, has ignited fervent reactions from political supporters and detractors alike. The vivid designs and striking visuals of the posters have become a focal point for debates, as individuals passionately express their opinions on the implications of this alliance for the political landscape in Nigeria.

2027: No presidential ticket, Wike declares war on Northerners

Peter Obi, who was the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, continues to enjoy robust support among the youth and urban populations in Nigeria following the electoral contest. On the other hand, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, remains aggrieved after his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He believes he possesses the political acumen and strategy to challenge and potentially unseat the current president in the upcoming 2027 elections. With Peter Obi emerging as a formidable contender, El-Rufai sees an opportunity to seek revenge and reclaim political relevance by rallying support against the incumbent.

ThePapers.ng reports that Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai recently convened in the United Kingdom during the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference (ATC), which is currently underway at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge.

El-Rufai was among the speakers at the high-profile event, which draws African political leaders, academics, and changemakers from around the globe to discuss issues affecting the continent.

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The encounter between the two high-ranking political figures, who come from rival camps, stirred conversation online after photos of them in deep conversation emerged.

The posters, which appeared in only one design with both Obi and El-Rufai, but with a faint Labour Party logo at the background, suggested that El-Rufai could soon dump SDP after recent defection from APC.

As conversations around possible coalitions continue to gain momentum, the opposition’s path to unity appears increasingly complex.

2027: No presidential ticket, Wike declares war on Northerners

The challenge lies not only in forming strategic alliances but also in maintaining trust and coherence among key stakeholders who have differing visions of how best to achieve political change in 2027.

While Nigerians react to the sudden campaign poster online, both politicians have yet to make an official statement on it.

Among the dissenting voices is Babatunde Gbadamosi, a former Lagos State governorship candidate under the African Democratic Party (ADP), who strongly opposed the rumored development. In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Gbadamosi warned that he would withdraw his support for Obi if he selected El-Rufai as his running mate instead of his 2023 vice-presidential partner, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. He described any such alliance with El-Rufai as aligning with “evil under any guise.”

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Gbadamosi’s statement underscores the internal disagreements within opposition circles, particularly over El-Rufai’s political ideology and controversial past.

While some political observers argue that a partnership with El-Rufai could strengthen Obi’s appeal in northern Nigeria and create a formidable opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, others view El-Rufai’s involvement as a potential threat to the unity and integrity of the movement Obi represents.

Below are reactions from the online poster:
Adeniyi Awoniyi: “Dead on arrival”

Oladele Adekunle Sunday: “Fail b4 arrival…”

Dan Isac: “If any party float this combination in Nigeria today, with current situations. Jagaban trouble is gone. If you don’t believe. Go to your streets and found out.”

Elder States Man: “Hahahaha joker’s”

Prince Ogbonna: “They are not serious”

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Ugwuagbo Zobam Ernest: “PBATDIOTs High Blood pressure”

Abiodun Ogunbe: “It’s going to be a champagne party on election day. The politicians on the air”

Akue Engr Akue: “Obi is a force in Nigeria politics, when ever obi is presented, Every other candidate will always have sleepless night”

Unufe Ford: “Same thing in 2023 yet Labour party shook them in Lagos State. The fire wey them ignore dey burn house.”

Fanuvi M. Tata: “He doesn’t have that capacity to pull massive votes for Obi in the northern Nigeria.”

Dan Isac: “If a party float this dimension. APC is goooooneeer. With current situation, with this APC goner”

Abimbola Abdul-Hameed Bolaji: “Rat and cat”

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2027: No presidential ticket, Wike declares war on Northerners

As the Rivers State political crisis has yet to see any green light to resolve, even despite reports emanating from different quarters over peace talks between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

It could be recalled that the political crisis in Rivers State began in October 2023 following the fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

President Bola Tinubu mediated in the political rift between Fubara and Wike at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The mediation failed after a short while.

Here are 7 reasons why Fubara may not return as Rivers State governor again.

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1. The bombing of a section of the Rivers House of Assembly Complex on 29 October 2023 heightened tension.

2. On 7th October 2024, three local government secretariats were set ablaze in Rivers.

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3. 14 December 2023 – Fubara signed the N800 billion 2024 appropriation bill into law. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Zacchaeus Adangor, resigned, citing “personal principles.”

4. 15 December 2023, More Wike’s loyalists resigned as commissioners, increasing the tally to nine.

5. 13 May 2024—Governor Fubara vowed to probe the administration of his predecessor, Wike

6. 25 June 2024 –Dynamite exploded near Hotel Presidential along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, during a protest in solidarity with Wike.

2027: What will happen if Atiku’s coalition against Tinubu fails, details emerge

7. 13 August 2024 – Wikevowed never to support Fubara again in his political life, saying his successor was “ungrateful”.

Meanwhile, at a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to replace Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu who were both suspended for six months.

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Barca’s 4-3 El Clásico Thriller, Inspired By Raphinha And Yamal, Nears Them La Liga Glory

Recently, reports indicated that both Fubara and Wike are in peace talks where the FCT minister is making fresh demands in resolving the political crisis in the state. But according to our source, who spoke with ThePapers.ng, revealed that the fresh demands from Wike may be too difficult for Fubara to accept, and this could lead to another reason why he may not return as governor in the state again.

“The issue on ground is tough for the governor, there are more damages in the state, Wike is asking the governor what would happen to the damages, including the removal of his family member as a king in the state,” the source told ThePapers.ng.

Did Wike Really Sick? New Photos of FCT Minister Revealed

https://thepapers.ng/2025/05/11/lamine-yamals-insane-barcelona-salary-what-he-earns-per-minute-revealed/

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What is most likely going to be Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s next move? Is he going to decamp to SDP or join APC? Or will he stay on in PDP?

Those are the big questions many people have been asking for quite some time now.

For months now he has been quiet though he has continued to play politics.

In fact since his mum died, he has kept mum until recently when news broke that he was likely to move to SDP, a news that was promptly denied. He has come out to openly say that he is still in PDP and that he will remain in the party.

When recently Okowa, the Delta Governor and his team decamped to APC, he came out to say, the exit of the Delta group and other PDP statwart will not affect the party.

Saraki believes a strong opposition is crucial for Nigeria’s Democracy and that PDP can still thrive despite recent defections, such as what happened in Delta State. He says he is committed to staying in the party and working towards its success, particularly in the 2027 election.

Saraki’s stance on the recent defections is that those who want to leave should do so now, enabling the party to have a clear view of its members loyalty.

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Saraki’s vision for the PDP involves rebuilding and refocusing the party to play a more effective role in the country’s space.

Dr. Bukola Saraki’s game plan revolves around positioning himself for political advantages, as it relates to 2027 presidential elections. Insiders say he is most likely to run for presidency in 2027. Recall that Saraki declared his intention to run for presidency in 2023.

Saraki by nature is usually very strategic in his moves. His political moves are usually subject to interpretation and most times his ultimate goals are usually more complex than what is publicly known.

Many of his loyalists say he has his eyes on the Presidency, having paid his dues politically. They usually recall how he has served in various capacities.

He served as the 13th President of the Senate from 2015 to 2019. He was elected President of the 8th Senate on 9 June 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He previously served as Kwara governor from 2003 to 2011 and was elected to the Senate in 2011, under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing the Kwara Central Senatorial District. He was then re-elected in the 2015 general elections on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He left the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and returned to his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he became the opposition leader, on 31 July 2018. Saraki declared his presidential campaign for the PDP presidential ticket in the 2019 election, but lost the primaries to Atiku Abubakar. He was subsequently announced as the Director General of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign for the 2019 presidential election, which he lost to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. Now, he is 63. He also has a rich pedigree that can help him.

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Saraki was born on 19 December 1962 in London to Florence Morenike Saraki and Olusola Saraki, who was a Senator in the Nigerian Second Republic. Bukola Saraki is married to Toyin Saraki (née Ojora). They have four children. Popular among his children are Seni and Tosin Saraki.

Saraki was educated at King’s College, Lagos, where he graduated in 1978. He attended Cheltenham College, a public boarding school in the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1981. He then proceeded to London Hospital Medical College of the University of London from 1982 to 1987, where he obtained a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.

Saraki worked as a medical officer at the Rush Green Hospital, Essex, from 1988 to 1989. He was a director of Société Générale Bank (Nigeria) Ltd from 1990 to 2000. In 2000, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Saraki as Special Assistant on Budget.

In 2003, Bukola Saraki ran for Governor of Kwara State on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defeating the incumbent Governor Muhammed Lawal of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). On 29 May 2003, he was sworn into office and was re-elected in 2007.

As governor of Kwara, Saraki led reforms in agriculture, infrastructure, health, education, power generation and environment policy. One of his major achievements was inviting displaced white farmers from Zimbabwe to Kwara State and offering them an opportunity to farm. This led to the establishment of Shonga Farms programme, which is now being replicated across Nigeria. He was also appointed as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ forum.

Under Saraki, Kwara became the first state to complete the Nigeria Independent Power Project. In collaboration with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Saraki re-energised the Ganmo Power Station at Ilorin, and connected over 3,750 rural communities to the national grid, through the development and installation of 725 transformers and 7 substations. Kwara also completed 4 electrification projects which meant power became stable 18–22 hours a day. 90% of people living in Kwara have access to electricity, compared to a national average in Nigeria of 30%.

In 2007, Saraki became Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum. As Chairman, Saraki increased his national influence and he led efforts for a more reformed and unified relationship with other states governors. The Forum also developed better and more extensive polio immunisation in Nigeria. Signing a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), with a number of international organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Bank, DFID, GAVI, UNICEF, UNDP.

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In 2011, after the completion of his 2 term tenure as Governor of Kwara State, Saraki ran for Senator representing the Kwara Central Senatorial District. He won, succeeding his sister, Gbemisola Saraki-Forowa. He was appointed the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology and was also a member of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Finance. Senator Saraki has campaigned extensively on health, food security, education and the environment – arguing for strengthened laws on the clean up of oil spills.

After his re-election in 2015 general elections, he was on 9 June 2015 elected unopposed as President of the Senate by an across the party alliance comprising PDP and APC Senators. Saraki had faced stiff opposition from Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan who was a preferred candidate by a group of senators-elect within the APC. His deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, emerged after a tightly contested election.

During his presidency, the Senate under his leadership has surpassed all previous Senate’s in history, passing 201 bills and clearing 138 public petitions.

On 6 June 2019, Saraki gave the valedictory speech at the final plenary of the 8th Senate.

In 2011, Saraki declared his candidacy for the Peoples Democratic Party for the presidential primaries, but later stepped down in support of the Northern consensus candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Saraki is currently a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was previously a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He defected from the All Progressives Congress on 31 July 2018, some days after 14 Senators defected to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He blamed his defection on intolerance of the influential persons of his former party. Saraki declared his presidential campaign for the PDP presidential ticket in the 2019 election, but lost at the primaries to Atiku Abubakar.

He was subsequently announced as the Director General of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign for the 2019 presidential election, which he lost to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. As a result of a 2018 anti-Saraki dynasty sentiment called the Ó To Ge Movement, Saraki lost his senatorial seat to APC’s Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe. He polled a total of 68,994 votes against Oloriegbe’s 123,808 votes in the 4 Local Government Areas of Kwara Central Senatorial District, a huge margin of more than 54,000 votes. In January 2022, Saraki declared he was running for the office of the president under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 General election.

He was defeated by Atiku Abubakar who pulled the highest votes with 371 votes, followed by Nyesom Wike with 237 votes and Saraki with 70 votes at the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary election which held at MKO Abiola National stadium, Abuja on 28 and 29 May 2022.

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Dr Bukola Saraki has consistently fought and rejected all claims of Corruption against his person, and has won a series of court cases to that effect— He has also described the allegations as political vendettas and “witch-hunts” Unlike most of his political contemporaries, Saraki was significantly wealthy having earned a sizeable fortune from successful business ventures before joining Politics in 2000.

In July 2018, the Supreme Court of Nigeria absolved Saraki of all charges brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria – declaring that Saraki’s asset declarations throughout his public service career were “accurate and correct”.

City People

As People’s Democratic Party’s crisis deepens on daily basis with different intrigues coming from different quarter where party defection has open lots of can of worms within political caucus.

It is no longer news that former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor, the current governor of Delta State Obovwerev defected to All Progressives Congress from the People’s Democratic Party’s in grand style.

Reactions have trailed the decision of both former PDP members to dump the party for the ruling party in the country.

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Timi Frank, on Wednesday revealed that the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa lobbied to be presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2023 elections.

Frank stated this in a statement while reacting to a statement credited to Okowa that he “regrets” accepting to be presidential running mate.

He said Okowa’s position was an “afterthought” since he was not only desperate to be running mate to Atiku but fought, begged and lobbied for the position.

Frank added, “It is understandable that Okowa is fighting the battle of his life to evade prosecution by the EFCC over corruption allegations against him but to make Nigerians believe that he now “regrets” taking up the position of vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in 2023 is not only an afterthought but cowardice in full bloom.

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“We know how Okowa begged, fought and lobbied to get the position.

“This is not Okowa’s first attempt at a high-level betrayal. The tale of how he stabbed ex-Governor James Ibori, his erstwhile godfather, in the back because of power is still fresh in our memory.

“Many of us know how Okowa emerged as Vice Presidential candidate which he was not meant to be because few of us ever wanted him, we believed he did not have the capacity and experience to become vice president.

“Therefore, Okowa lacks the rectitude to play the victim or feign regret over a job and position he desperately wanted.

“We are still of the opinion that if Wike had emerged in place of Okowa in 2023 as running mate to Atiku, perhaps PDP would be in government at the national level today but we lost out apparently because of the choice of this ungrateful Okowa who never brought real value or political capital to the table.”

It’s no longer a secret that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is running for the Presidency in 2027. He previously contested but didn’t succeed. This time, he’s feeling optimistic and believes his chances are much better.

He plans to contest on the platform of PDP. He plans to get the PDP ticket.

But many political analysts say his chances are slim, going by the huge opposition to his candidacy.

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Many PDP topshots believe he should not be the flagbearer of the party. They prefer a different person who is fresh.

Those from the South believe that a Southern candidate is more preferable, to enable the South complete its 2 terms.

All these sentiments are being openly canvassed by stakeholders in the party.

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Even the young members of the party prefer that a younger aspirant be fielded.

Some of the serving PDP governors don’t seem to support his candidacy. They recently had a meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State where they rejected the concept of Coalition, which Atiku & some other popular politicians like Mallam El-Rufai are rooting for.

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But his biggest challenge is coming from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who does not even want to hear any talk of Atiku getting the PDP presidential ticket.

He is Atiku’s biggest problem because he was the one who put together the G5, made up of governors, who worked against Atiku last election.

They are determined to do same at the forthcoming elections.

How Atiku plans to get the PDP ticket being a Northern aspirant, when the view of many is that it would be better to have a Southern aspirant emerge, remains to be seen.

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Chief Bode George, a founding father and Elder of the party has come out openly to say over his dead body will Atiku emerge as PDP’s presidential candidate.

A member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, says the party will meet its end if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secures the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.

“If he (Atiku) picks it (PDP’s ticket), that is the end of this party. If he picks it by manipulation which was what was done the last time, we will not accept it,” Bode George said on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, April 14.

Atiku has been in a race to become Nigeria’s president for over three decades and has been the presidential candidate of different parties six times.

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Atiku recently championed an inter-party alliance that birthed a coalition on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Atiku, alongside former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, amongst others, announced the coalition as an attempt to oust incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, in a twist, PDP governors on Monday, April 14, 2025, rejected the coalition spearheaded by Atiku, ruling out any plan by the party for mergers or coalition. Speaking during the television programme on Monday, Bode George applauded the PDP governors for rejecting the coalition led by Atiku.

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George said Atiku has not shown himself to be a leader of the party because he has not waded into the intra-party squabbles that have befallen the party in recent times.

Bode George said: “No, if he is the leader of the party, he would have waded into it (the crisis). “The fact that he was the presidential candidate of the party at the last election doesn’t mean he is a bonafide, fixated leader of the party. If he’s running for his private interest, it’s different from the interest of the party.”

Asked whether Atiku could be the flag bearer of the PDP in 2027, the PDP chieftain said, “He cannot be. This is what I am saying. There was 8 years in the North, there should be 8 years in the South. That is the dictate, that is the doctrine of the PDP. I can’t say he cannot contest; he can go to any party because it is his constitutional right but as far as we are concerned, he cannot be the candidate.”

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“There are rules. Section 7, Sub-section 3C of our constitution. It states that once the presidential candidate has been in the South for eight years, it had to go to the North. And after another 8 years, it would come to the South. Is Atiku from the South-West, South-South or South-East?” George asked.

The PDP chieftain said he equally doesn’t want Tinubu to be re-elected in 2027, adding that he wants his party to win the next election with a southern candidate.

He is not the only one. Many Southern big wigs are opposed to Atiku’s choice.

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Atiku himself is aware of this. And he actually has a Plan B.

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Some have hinted that Atiku’s Plan B is to decamp to the SDP if he can’t get the PDP presidential ticket. He is said to have a collaborative relationship with the likes of Mallam El-Rufai, who many believe is holding forte for him. Some have gone ahead to suggest that when the time comes he is most likely going to be the place holder for Atiku in SDP. This is because Atiku and El-Rufai are working together towards the same goal of making sure Atiku becomes the next President of Nigeria.

As it is nobody can convince Atiku not to run. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar believes he is eminently qualified for the job. He has paid his dues.

Atiku Abubakar served as the Vice President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo. He ran for the office of Governor of Adamawa State in 1990 and 1996 unsuccessfully, but won in 1998.

Before he was sworn in, he was selected as running mate to former military leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, during the 1999 presidential election and was re-elected in 2003.

Atiku Abubakar has contested unsuccessfully for the President of Nigeria 6 times, in 1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

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He ran in the Social Democratic Party presidential primaries in 1993, but lost to Moshood Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe. He was a presidential candidate of the Action Congress in the 2007 presidential election coming in third to Umaru Yar’Adua of the PDP and Muhammadu Buhari of the ANPP.

He contested the presidential primaries of the People’s Democratic Party during the 2011 presidential election losing out to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2014, he joined the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2015 presidential election and contested the presidential primaries losing to Muhammadu Buhari. In 2017, he returned to the Peoples Democratic Party and was the party presidential candidate during the 2019 presidential election, again losing to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.

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In May 2022, he was chosen as the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate again, this time for the 2023 general election after he defeated Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, at the primaries. He came in second in the general election, being defeated by Bola Tinubu, though Abubakar joined other opposition candidates in demanding a revote.

Atiku Abubakar is a Fulani born on 25 November 1946 in Jada, a village which was then under the administration of the British Cameroons. The territory later joined with the Federation of Nigeria in the 1961 British Cameroons referendum. His father, Garba Abubakar was a Fulani trader and farmer, and his mother was Aisha Kande. He was named after his paternal grandfather Atiku Abdulqadir who hails from Wurno, Sokoto State and migrated to Kojoli village at Jada, Adamawa State, his maternal grandfather called Inuwa Dutse migrated to Jada, Adamawa State from Dutse, Jigawa State he became the only child of his parents when his only sister died at infancy. In 1957, his father died by drowning while crossing a river to Toungo, a neighbouring village to Jada.

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Culled from citypeopleonline

Curses are frequently perceived as manifestations of supernatural or mystical forces intended to inflict harm or misfortune upon individuals. The belief in curses is prevalent in various cultures and traditions, where they are understood to invoke adverse consequences for those targeted.

The political prospects of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appear to be unfavorable, complicating efforts for others to align themselves politically with the Waziri of Adamawa.

Recently, Atiku has experienced a series of political setbacks, leading to defection and rejection, despite having previously enjoyed considerable political support. Former allies have become adversaries, expressing their allegiance to the ruling party in Nigeria.

This situation raises questions about whether a curse from his former superior, Olusegun Obasanjo, is influencing the current circumstances. Obasanjo had stated unequivocally that Atiku Abubakar would never attain the presidency of Nigeria during his lifetime, notwithstanding Atiku’s persistent ambitions for that office.

Compounding these challenges, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has dismissed the political coalition initiative involving Atiku, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi. The PDP governors have made it clear that the party is unwilling to engage in any coalition discussions in advance of the 2027 general election.

According to a report by LEADERSHIP, governors from Abia (Alex Otti), Enugu (Peter Mbah), Delta (Sheriff Oborevwori), Rivers (Siminalayi Fubara), and Akwa Ibom (Umoh Eno) have addressed concerns regarding potential defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

To confirm these rumors, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and all members of the PDP in Delta State, have officially defected to the APC. This announcement was made in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, by Senator James Manager, shortly following a meeting that extended for over six hours at Government House.

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Delta State has historically been a stronghold for the Peoples Democratic Party; however, this defection, particularly involving Okowa, who served as the Director General of Atiku’s campaign during the 2023 Presidential election, signifies a substantial challenge for Atiku’s influence within the PDP in Delta.

This development marks a critical juncture in Delta State politics, indicating a potential realignment in political affiliations that may alter party dominance within the South-South region. Investigation has revealed that discussions regarding defection among other PDP governors have progressed to advanced stages, enhancing the prospects for the APC and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, particularly amid threats in Northern constituencies to withdraw support.

Many political observers have recalled Obasanjo’s earlier assertion regarding Atiku’s presidential aspirations, which he vehemently opposed due to fears that Atiku had covertly endorsed Alamieyeseigha as a running mate and devised plans to succeed him upon the conclusion of his second term.

In 2018, Obasanjo had said that former vice president Atiku should never count on him to support his latest bid to actualise his life-long ambition of being elected the president of Nigeria. “If I support Atiku for anything, God will not forgive me. If I do not know, yes. But once I know, Atiku can never enjoy my support,” Obasanjo added.