Prominent opposition politicians including Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), Atiku Abubakar of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are reportedly working on an alliance to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reports gathered the trio are looking at the possibility of an alliance which would enable them to present a formidable stand against the APC.
It is further understood that the extent of their agreement to work together is still in the early stages, is being planned in phases, and also dependent on the eventual outcome of the 2023 presidential election tribunal in which the victory of President Bola Tinubu is being challenged.
The discussion among the top politicians according to ThisDay, started with the one between Atiku and Kwankwaso.
After the first leg of the meetings was adjudged successful, another one between Obi and other critical elements in PDP reportedly started to take shape, after the other two stakeholders agreed to bring him in.
The discussions, according to sources privy to them are said to have two major focal points.
First, the three politicians are reported to be waiting for the outcome of the presidential election petitions in court, which would determine the second leg of the decision particularly if the outcome doesn't go their way.
The leaders were said to be considering the possibility that the tribunal would call for a re-election or rerun, which would see them come together in a merger for the election and challenge Tinubu and APC in the second opportunity.
However, if the tribunal decided otherwise, the leaders were said to be considering setting up a formidable party ahead of the 2027 general election, which would not only bring the three of them together but also their political parties and supporters to take over the reins of power from the ruling APC.
A source quoted on the matter said, "The meeting started with Kwankwaso and Atiku and they have agreed to bring Peter Obi in to set up a formidable opposition after the court cases. Although they have not got to the point of discussing who will lead the opposition, they are leaving it out for now till after the court cases.
"After the court cases, they will plan and come together for a re-election or stand together ahead to fight the 2027 election battle. They are considering a formidable party comprising the PDP, Labour and NNPP."
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