Moves toward a possible joint presidential ticket between the 2023 Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections, with indications that the alliance has entered an advanced stage.
Investigations revealed that both politicians have reportedly set up a joint committee to work out the framework for the proposed alliance under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Sources within the party disclosed that the move was initiated and strongly backed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to a senior ADC official, Obasanjo not only encouraged Obi’s defection to the ADC but also advised him to work closely with Kwankwaso in securing the party’s presidential and vice-presidential tickets.
Obasanjo, who openly supported Obi during the 2023 presidential election, had mobilised nationwide backing for the former Anambra State governor against President Bola Tinubu. In a widely circulated open letter dated January 1, 2023, the former president described Obi as having an edge over other contenders based on character, competence, and discipline.
Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence under Obasanjo’s administration, is yet to officially join the ADC. However, multiple sources confirmed that discussions surrounding the alliance are ongoing and have gained significant traction.
A top ADC source said Obasanjo has been actively engaging northern political power brokers to ensure the success of the Obi–Kwankwaso partnership.
“The former president connected both men and is committed to seeing the alliance succeed. He believes in Obi and has been speaking to northern leaders to support the arrangement,” the source said.
Leaders within the Kwankwasiyya Movement also confirmed Obasanjo’s involvement, describing the alliance as “on track.”
Alliance Committee in Place
Sources close to Obi disclosed that a joint committee comprising representatives from both camps was established about a month ago to strategise on securing the ADC ticket.
“We are past the talking stage. A committee is already in place and the process is progressing,” a source in Obi’s camp said.
Confirming the development, Magaji Ibrahim, SAN, National Legal Adviser of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and a leader in the Kwankwasiyya Movement, said Kwankwaso was ready to work with Obi either as president or vice president.
“There is an ongoing discussion and a committee has been constituted from both sides. I am a member. The goal is to salvage the nation,” Ibrahim stated, adding that anything short of the vice-presidential slot would be unacceptable to Kwankwaso’s camp.
ADC, Atiku React
Despite the developments, the ADC’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party was not formally aware of any alliance, noting that such discussions were not unusual in politics.
“Kwankwaso is not yet a member of the ADC, but we are willing to have him. Obi is also a great asset. Whatever discussions they are having are outside the party for now,” he said.
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, dismissed claims that the proposed alliance posed any threat to the former Vice President, insisting Atiku remained focused on his own political journey.
“Atiku is not threatened in any way. The more patriots come together to rescue Nigeria, the better,” Ibe said.
Obidients Welcome Move, Zoning Debate Deepens
The Obidient Movement has welcomed the proposed alliance, describing it as a potentially formidable force ahead of 2027. Its coordinator, Yinusa Tanko, said cooperation between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
However, supporters of Obi within the ADC are intensifying calls for the party’s presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, arguing that it offers the best chance of unseating President Tinubu.
Some ADC leaders have pushed back, warning that zoning could fracture the coalition and weaken its chances.
As consultations continue behind closed doors, the emerging Obi–Kwankwaso alliance, backed by Obasanjo, is fast becoming one of the most closely watched political developments ahead of the 2027 elections.