The former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has called on his supporters to cease their public criticisms of Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, in a move seen as a potential de-escalation of tensions within the opposition.
In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Atiku urged his followers to stop “bashing” the Labour Party leader, highlighting the need for a more unified front as the country moves into a critical political window ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The intervention follows months of heated exchanges on social media between the “Atikulate” camp and the “Obidient” movement, which emerged as a powerful third force during the 2023 polls.
A call for decorum
Atiku’s plea for a ceasefire comes at a time when Nigeria’s opposition parties are facing mounting pressure to reconcile their differences. Political analysts suggest that the ongoing friction between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party only serves to strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We must focus on the issues affecting Nigerians—the economy, security, and the high cost of living—rather than internal bickering,” the statement suggested.
Why the shift?
The sudden shift in rhetoric is being interpreted by many as a strategic olive branch. With the 2026 “bridge year” underway, there have been persistent rumours of high-level talks regarding a possible merger or alliance between opposition heavyweights to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the next cycle.
Online ‘troll’ culture
The “bashing” Atiku referred to has largely played out on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, where supporters of both men have engaged in fierce debates over leadership credentials and the outcome of the last election.
By calling for an end to the “social media war,” Atiku appears to be attempting to reposition himself as a unifying figure within the broader opposition movement, though it remains to be seen if supporters on either side will heed the call.
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