Obasanjo Reportedly Backs Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket for 2027, Sidelines Atiku

A proposed political alliance between Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, is reportedly in an advanced stage ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources indicate that Obi and Kwankwaso have established a joint committee to facilitate a combined presidential ticket, potentially under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

A senior official within the ADC revealed that the alliance was initially proposed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. According to the source, Obasanjo not only endorsed Obi’s potential move to the ADC but also encouraged him to partner with Kwankwaso to secure the party’s presidential and vice-presidential nominations.

During the 2023 election cycle, Obasanjo was a vocal supporter of Obi, actively campaigning against the All Progressives Congress candidate, now President Bola Tinubu. In a public letter dated January 1, 2023, the former president endorsed Obi, stating, “None of the contestants is a saint, but when one compares their character, antecedents, understanding, knowledge, discipline and vitality… Peter Obi, as a mentee, has an edge.”

Kwankwaso also has a history with Obasanjo, having served as his Minister of Defence during his second term. Conversely, the former president has consistently expressed his disapproval of the presidential ambitions of his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Currently, the ADC has three notable presidential aspirants: Atiku, Obi, and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Efforts are reportedly underway to persuade Kwankwaso to join the party.

It is understood that the proposed alliance, initiated by Obasanjo, has gained momentum. A high-ranking ADC source, who requested anonymity, confirmed the former president’s role in connecting Obi with influential northern political figures to solidify the partnership.

“We’re aware of the alliance, though Kwankwaso is not in our party yet,” the official stated. “Former President Obasanjo is the one who connected the two of them, and he is committed to their alliance. He believes in Obi and has been speaking with some northern leaders on the need for them to see reason in the alliance.”

This account was corroborated by a leader within the Kwankwasiyya Movement, who also confirmed Obasanjo’s involvement. “The former President is involved. In fact, he mooted the idea, and we are happy to be on track,” the source said anonymously.

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Further reports confirm that a committee, comprising members from both Obi’s and Kwankwaso’s camps, has been formed to strategize and build support for the joint ticket within the ADC. A source close to Obi’s team disclosed that the committee was established about a month ago.

“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,” the source said.

Magaji Ibrahim, SAN, the National Legal Adviser of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and a prominent figure in the Kwankwasiyya Movement, affirmed these developments. Ibrahim, who is a member of the committee, stated that Kwankwaso is prepared to work with Obi in either the presidential or vice-presidential capacity.

“There is ongoing discussion between Kwankwaso and Obi, and a committee is actually in place for the actualisation of the alliance,” Ibrahim said. “We are ready to work together either for the first or second position. The central point is to salvage the nation.”

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Regarding Kwankwaso’s potential move to the ADC, Ibrahim confirmed that discussions are ongoing between the party’s leadership and the Kwankwasiyya Movement. When asked if Kwankwaso would join the ADC without securing a top spot on the ticket, he replied, “I don’t think we can consider anything short of the second position.”

A potential political alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso is reportedly being facilitated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, sparking varied reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. While Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, did not respond to requests for comment, a source within the former president’s circle confirmed his involvement in the talks.

The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, affirmed that Obasanjo is actively working to ensure the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership materializes but declined to provide further details on the negotiations.

ADC Unaware but Open to Kwankwaso

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party central to the coalition discussions, stated it is not officially aware of any alliance talks between Obi and Kwankwaso. However, the party expressed its willingness to welcome Kwankwaso into its fold.

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ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described Kwankwaso as a “strong political leader” and noted that Obi is also a “great politician and an asset to the party.” He clarified, “Kwankwaso is yet to join the ADC, but we are more than willing to have him with us. However, whatever discussions they are having are outside the party.”

Atiku’s Camp “Not Threatened” by Potential Merger

The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed the proposed alliance as a non-threat to his political ambitions. Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, stated that the former VP remains focused on his own path and is not concerned by the development.

“There is absolutely no threat,” Ibe said. “Kwankwaso is welcome in the ADC because the party’s hands are open to patriots who feel Nigeria is facing an existential threat. That cannot be a threat to Atiku.”

Ibe emphasized that Atiku respects the right of political figures to form alliances, viewing it as a positive step for the nation. “For Atiku, the more the merrier, and that should be the focus of every discussion in the party,” he added.

‘Obidients’ Welcome Alliance Talks

In contrast, supporters of Peter Obi have expressed enthusiasm for the potential partnership. Yinusa Tanko, Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, described the alliance as a potentially formidable force for the 2027 general elections.

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Tanko revealed that discussions between the two camps have been ongoing for some time. “A good working relationship between the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement will be a very strong combination,” he remarked.

Debate Over Zoning Intensifies in Obi’s Camp

Meanwhile, a debate over presidential ticket zoning is gaining momentum among Obi’s supporters within the ADC.

 

An anonymous party chieftain argued that zoning the ticket to the South is the “easiest and most reliable path to defeating President Tinubu.”

The source claimed that with Obi’s widespread national support, a southern ticket would significantly strengthen the coalition. “If you want to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is from the South, zoning the ticket to the South will allow southern presidential aspirants within the fold of the ADC to contest,” the chieftain explained. “It is going to be the surest way to defeat Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.”

However, this view is not universally shared. Several ADC state chairmen, including Kingsley Ogga of Kogi State and Kennedy Odion of Edo State, warned that pushing for a southern-zoned ticket could undermine the coalition and inadvertently benefit President Tinubu.

A party official, identified as Ogga, has called on supporters of Peter Obi to place the party’s collective goals above individual ambitions. He asserted that those advocating for zoning arrangements do not have the party’s best interests at heart.

Echoing this sentiment, the Adamawa State Chairman of the party criticized those pushing for candidates from specific regions, describing their perspective as short-sighted.

“My response to them is simple: their thinking is myopic. Let them think far,” he stated.

 

“Nigeria has two regions, the North and the South. So, putting a particular interest on someone, for example, a man from the South agitating for Peter Obi, or a man from the North saying Atiku Abubakar, is not what Nigeria really needs now.”

He emphasized that the nation’s priority should be finding a capable leader to address its current challenges.

“Nigeria needs someone who will stand on his feet to rescue the nation from where it is,” he added.

“Currently, we don’t have what we call government; we only have people in dictatorial positions of leadership.”