Speaking in an interview with the BBC on Thursday, the former Vice President said political alignment among opposition figures ahead of 2027 should not come as a surprise to Nigerians.
"You could wake up one morning and hear that we have come together, we are working together in order to rescue Nigeria and the Nigerian people," Atiku said.
Atiku, who led the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections before moving to the ADC, said there was no obstacle to such a coalition "if Allah so wills."
His comments come amid growing concerns among political observers that divisions within the opposition could weaken efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2027.
In the 2023 election, the opposition vote was split three ways between Atiku of the PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP. Tinubu won with 8.7 million votes, while Atiku polled 6.9 million and Obi 6.1 million.
Many analysts have since argued that a united opposition front could have produced a different outcome.
Since losing the 2023 election, there have been repeated calls for opposition parties to set aside differences and form a broad coalition. The idea gained more traction after several PDP governors, lawmakers and party chieftains defected to the APC in the last 12 months.
Atiku’s statement appears to be the clearest signal yet from him that he is open to direct collaboration with Obi and Kwankwaso, both of whom have also maintained that the country needs a new direction.
Peter Obi, who came third in 2023, has continued to build structures around the Labour Party and has said he will contest again in 2027. Kwankwaso, who won Kano and parts of the North-West for the NNPP, has also not ruled out another run.
None of the three leaders have announced a formal alliance. But Atiku’s remarks suggest that behind-the-scenes talks may be ongoing.
During the BBC interview, Atiku did not give details of how the proposed working arrangement would look. But he stressed that the priority was "Nigeria and the Nigerian people" who are currently grappling with inflation, insecurity and unemployment.
"We have to put Nigeria first," he said. "The suffering is too much. People cannot feed. Businesses are closing. This is not the Nigeria we want."
He added that opposition leaders have a responsibility to give Nigerians an alternative in 2027.
Political watchers say Atiku’s openness to working with Obi and Kwankwaso could reshape the 2027 race if it leads to a merger or a joint ticket.
However, challenges remain. The three men have different political bases, ideologies, and ambitions. In 2023, attempts at a merger collapsed over disagreements on who should fly the joint ticket.
For now, Atiku says the door is open. "Do not be surprised if you hear that we have united," he said. "What matters is rescuing this country."
The ADC has in recent months positioned itself as a platform for a "mega opposition coalition" ahead of 2027.
As of press time, representatives of Obi and Kwankwaso had not responded to Atiku’s comments.
