Obi’s VP Role Sparks Rift in Coalition as Supporters Oppose Power-Sharing Deal

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate and a key figure in Nigeria’s third-force movement, is at the center of a political storm following reports that he has agreed to serve as Vice Presidential candidate in a newly formed opposition coalition.

The revelation, which emerged from high-level political sources in early July, is already generating internal turbulence especially among Obi’s loyal supporters who insist he must run for president in the 2027 elections.

According to political insiders, Obi’s acceptance of the VP slot was part of a calculated power-sharing arrangement designed to forge a united opposition capable of challenging the ruling party. But the move has reportedly triggered significant resistance within his support base, particularly the “Obidient” movement, which remains emotionally and ideologically invested in his presidential ambition.

Obi’s media team has remained largely silent, avoiding any definitive public statement on the matter. Behind the scenes, however, sources confirm that his aides are struggling to craft a convincing narrative to present the VP decision as a strategic concession rather than a surrender of ambition.

The coalition, reportedly brokered after months of closed-door negotiations, comprises power blocs from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and select third-force figures. Atiku Abubakar’s camp, which played a leading role in the deal, is said to have secured considerable control over coalition strategy and outreach.

Nasir El-Rufai, former Governor of Kaduna State and a powerful voice in the APC reformist wing, is reportedly taking over as National Chairman of the coalition.

Rauf Aregbesola, ex-Minister of Interior, and Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General, are rumored to have taken up the positions of National Secretary and Legal Adviser, respectively positions that point to a deep APC footprint in the opposition structure.

Political observers view the alliance as both bold and brittle a pragmatic move to wrest power from the ruling party, but one that may be undermined by ideological tensions and unresolved rivalries.

For many in Obi’s support network, especially the younger electorate energized during the 2023 election cycle, the notion of their candidate playing second fiddle is hard to accept.

“He inspired millions. We saw him as the symbol of a new Nigeria,” said a youth leader in Lagos. “Taking the VP slot feels like watering down everything we stood for.”

Others, however, argue that aligning with a broader coalition could improve Obi’s national acceptability and provide him with leverage to influence governance even from a non-presidential position.

The coalition’s long-term viability now hinges on whether its architects can maintain internal unity and persuade skeptical supporters to accept strategic compromises in the interest of winning power in 2027.

If Peter Obi confirms the reports and effectively communicates the rationale for his decision, he may still retain a large portion of his political capital. But failure to manage this narrative could fracture his base and undermine the very alliance meant to bolster his influence.

For now, Nigeria’s opposition politics enters a new phase tense, uncertain, but undeniably consequential.