The 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, have dismissed claims of planning for the 2027 presidential election.
The clarification follows their recent breakfast meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, which sparked speculations about a potential political alliance.
In a viral video, Atiku and Obi were seen seated together at a dining table, sharing a meal before attending an event.
However, both camps have stated that the meeting was purely social and had no political undertones.
Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, described the meeting as a reunion of two old friends. Speaking with journalists, he explained:
“Let us not jump the gun. Obi was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of AUN (American University of Nigeria) and the 16th Founder’s Day, which is a significant milestone.
The university was founded by Atiku Abubakar, who acted as his host.
“But people think it is because of politics. We all know our friends. The truth is that politics cannot separate friends. So Atiku invited him to breakfast, and from there, they went for the programme. That is all that happened.”
Similarly, Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, denied any political motives behind the meeting.
“There was nothing like that. They just invited him (Obi) to deliver a speech there. It has nothing to do with politics. Of course, you know people will always assume things,” Umar stated.
The meeting coincided with the Founder’s Day celebration of the American University of Nigeria, established by Atiku Abubakar, where Peter Obi served as a keynote speaker.
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