Fresh political manoeuvring is underway within Nigeria's opposition landscape as former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are allegedly reviving a partnership aimed at a joint challenge against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Their target is the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections.
Obasanjo Brokers Talks for Unified Opposition Ticket
According to political insiders, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has taken a central role in efforts to unite the camps of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso. Sources indicate that Obasanjo is convinced that a unified opposition ticket presents the clearest path to relevance in the 2027 polls. One source revealed that Kwankwaso recently held discussions with Obasanjo in Abeokuta, where the former president reportedly urged the NNPP leader to join the ADC and accept the vice-presidential slot on a ticket led by Peter Obi.
The push for this alliance is driven by lessons learned from the fragmented 2023 presidential election. Both Obi, who ran on the Labour Party platform, and Kwankwaso, the flagbearer for the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), demonstrated significant regional strength. Obi dominated the South-East, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory, while Kwankwaso secured a stronghold in Kano. Analysts believe their combined electoral appeal could pose a serious challenge to Atiku Abubakar's long-standing influence within opposition circles.
Strategy Focuses on ADC Primaries, With a Backup Plan
The strategy, as outlined by sources, is not to avoid Atiku Abubakar but to confront him directly during the ADC's presidential primaries. Insiders acknowledge that Atiku's grip on party dynamics makes him a formidable opponent. A source explained that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso acting alone is likely to defeat Atiku in a primary contest, but a combined effort pooling their political weight and resources could stand a chance.
However, promoters of the alliance are reportedly pragmatic. Recognising the difficulty of the task, they have prepared a contingency plan. Should they fail to secure the ADC ticket, the plan is to move the joint Obi-Kwankwaso ticket to another political platform to actualise their 2027 ambition.
Kwankwaso's Conditions and the Analyst's View
Rabiu Kwankwaso has publicly laid down his conditions for any political merger. Addressing supporters recently, he stated that any coalition must place him at the centre of the ticket, either as the presidential candidate or the vice-presidential candidate. He also dismissed rumours of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), denying any arrangement with the ruling party.
Political analysts have weighed in on the developing situation. Professor Abubakar Kari of the University of Abuja described a potential Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as "mouthwatering" due to their complementary regional appeal. He noted that such a union could give the ruling APC a serious challenge. However, he and other analysts, like Dr. Sam Amadi, caution that Atiku Abubakar remains a decisive factor. If Atiku remains on the ballot as a northern Muslim candidate, he could still split opposition votes, potentially repeating the fragmentation seen in 2023. The success of any unified ticket, according to Amadi, would depend on securing broader backing from other northern political heavyweights.
As of now, Peter Obi has formally joined the ADC, while Rabiu Kwankwaso remains within the NNPP. Kwankwaso, through an aide, confirmed that high-level discussions are ongoing but that a final decision will be communicated to the public soon.
