Former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential aspirant, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that he is avoiding former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Speaking in Cape Town, South Africa, during the Spier Dialogue 2026, Obi described Atiku as a respected elder brother and longtime ally, insisting there was no rift between them.

“There are very few human beings who are as close as I am to Atiku. I can’t be running from him,” Obi said.

His comments follow months of political tension after both politicians initially teamed up under the African Democratic Congress coalition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Obi later exited the ADC, citing internal crises and persistent legal disputes within the party, before aligning with Rabiu Kwankwaso under the Nigeria Democratic Congress platform.