Former Anambra State Governor and presidential aspirant under the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that he is avoiding former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi made the remarks on Friday while attending the Spier Dialogue 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, amid growing political speculation over his relationship with Atiku.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said he still shares a close relationship with the former vice-president and described him as a respected leader and elder brother.
“There are very few human beings who are as close as I am to Atiku,” Obi said.
“I don’t run from him. Never. I have never run from anybody. I just believe that I do things differently.”
His comments come months after both politicians attempted to build a united opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 election through the African Democratic Congress.
Obi officially joined the ADC on January 1, 2026, in a move Atiku welcomed as a major boost for opposition politics in Nigeria.
However, the alliance later collapsed following internal disagreements and legal disputes within the party.
After the coalition crisis, Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso exited the ADC and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Obi explained that his decision was driven by the need to move away from what he described as litigation-based politics.
Political observers believe Obi’s latest comments may help calm rumours of tension between him and Atiku as preparations for the 2027 election continue.
The former governor has remained active in national political discussions, frequently speaking on governance, economic reforms, and national unity.
His appearance at the Spier Dialogue 2026 also placed him among African leaders and policymakers discussing governance and development issues across the continent.
The 2027 presidential race is already attracting attention as major political figures continue consultations and coalition talks ahead of party primaries.
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