The 2023 presidential candidates for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, have refuted claims that they are strategising for the 2027 presidential election.
Their statement followed a recent breakfast meeting between the two in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State.
A video circulating online showed Atiku and Obi seated together at a dining table, preparing to share a meal.
However, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, clarified that the gathering was merely a reunion of two long-time friends.
Speaking with journalists about Saturday’s meeting, Ibe said, “Let us not jump the gun. The fact is that Obi accepted to be the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of AUN and the 16th Founder’s Day, which was a milestone. Obi is part of that celebration.
“The university was founded by Atiku Abubakar, who was more like 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. I think that is what happened.”
On his part, Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, said the meeting had no political undertone.
“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,” he said.
