In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly the chief architect behind a proposed alliance between two prominent opposition figures, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. The move is seen as a strategic effort to present a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu's potential re-election bid.
The Genesis of the Alliance
According to credible sources, the alliance proposal, which has now moved beyond mere speculation, was initiated by Obasanjo himself. The former president, who openly campaigned for Peter Obi in the 2023 election, is said to have not only approved Obi's defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in December 2025 but has also actively encouraged a partnership with Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Both Obi and Kwankwaso were presidential candidates in 2023, representing the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) respectively, finishing in third and fourth places. Obasanjo is reportedly leveraging his influence to connect Obi with key northern power brokers to ensure the alliance's viability and widespread acceptance.
Committee Formed as Plans Advance
The political arrangement has progressed to an advanced stage, with a joint committee already established by the camps of both Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. This committee, set up approximately a month ago, is tasked with devising a concrete strategy to actualize the joint ticket under the ADC platform.
A source familiar with the developments confirmed the active progress, stating, "We're no longer at the talking stage; we have moved ahead. A committee has been set up for the alliance and things are taking shape." This indicates that the discussions have transitioned from preliminary talks to actionable planning.
Kwankwaso's Stance and the Road to 2027
Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former senator and governor of Kano State, has previously expressed his openness to collaboration. He stated that he would consider defecting from the NNPP only if offered a presidential or vice-presidential ticket for the 2027 elections. This condition aligns with the proposed alliance framework.
Magaji Ibrahim (SAN), the national legal adviser of the NNPP, confirmed ongoing discussions between the two leaders, noting that Kwankwaso is prepared to work with Obi either as president or vice president. A leader from the Kwankwasiyya Movement also verified Obasanjo's pivotal role, revealing, "The former president is involved. In fact, he mooted the idea, and we are happy to be on track."
While Kwankwaso has not yet formally joined the ADC, the alliance-building process, championed by Obasanjo, is fully underway. The former president's commitment to the project stems from his belief in Obi's candidacy and his desire to forge a strong, unified opposition front capable of winning the 2027 presidential election.
