Fresh indications suggest that former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso may join forces on a single ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, with plans to challenge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Both men, who contested separately in the 2023 elections under the Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), had previously attempted an alliance before that poll. Talks collapsed over disagreements on who would lead the ticket.
The renewed push comes after the 2023 results, where Obi secured over six million votes, winning in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, and across the South‑East, while Kwankwaso delivered a decisive victory in Kano State, reaffirming his Kwankwasiyya movement’s dominance.
There are indications that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is spearheading reconciliation efforts, convinced that an Obi–Kwankwaso ticket offers the opposition its best chance against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Multiple insiders said Obasanjo has tentatively persuaded Kwankwaso to accept the vice‑presidential slot.
Obi formally joined the ADC two weeks ago, while Kwankwaso remains in the NNPP but confirmed “high‑level discussions with key stakeholders across the political spectrum” are ongoing.
“Our position will very soon be known to the public. We firmly believe Nigeria urgently requires a departure from the current environment characterised by rampant insecurity and the widespread collapse of essential systems,” a Kwankwaso aide said.
Strategic Options
Two options are reportedly being pursued:
- First plan: Confront Atiku directly at the ADC primaries.
- Fallback plan: Move to another political party if the ADC ticket proves unattainable.
One source explained: “Kwankwaso went to Abeokuta to meet Baba Obasanjo last week, and Baba told him to join the ADC and accept to be Obi’s vice. The thinking is that current dynamics favour an Obi presidency.”
During a weekend interaction with supporters, Kwankwaso insisted that any coalition must guarantee him either the presidential or vice‑presidential slot. He dismissed claims that the NNPP is limited to Kano, stressing that the party has national structures.
“At the national level, our hope is to merge with others, whether under the NNPP or any other platform. But those who want us must agree that I, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, will be number one or number two,” he said.
Political analysts say the proposed ticket draws strength from the lessons of 2023 but warn that Atiku’s entrenched position in the ADC could complicate matters.
Prof. Abubakar Kari of the University of Abuja described an Obi–Kwankwaso ticket as “mouthwatering”, noting Obi’s youth mobilisation and Kwankwaso’s northern influence.
He cautioned, however, that opposition risks repeating past mistakes if fragmented.
Dr Sam Amadi of the Abuja School of Political and Social Thought added that Kwankwaso’s dominance in Kano makes the ticket attractive, but more broad-based northern alliances would be crucial.
“If the ticket enjoys backing from figures across the North, it could seriously threaten President Tinubu,” he said.
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