Efforts to form a joint presidential ticket between the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso for the 2027 elections are reportedly at an advanced stage.
Sources told Sunday PUNCH that Obi and Kwankwaso have established a committee to drive the proposed alliance under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). A senior official of the party disclosed that the initiative was originally proposed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who reportedly endorsed Obi’s defection to the ADC and encouraged collaboration with Kwankwaso to secure the party’s presidential and vice-presidential nominations.
Obasanjo, who openly campaigned for Obi in 2023, had earlier praised the former Anambra State governor in a January 1, 2023 letter, highlighting Obi’s character, experience, and discipline as giving him an edge over other contenders. Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence under Obasanjo, has not yet formally joined the ADC, but discussions are ongoing.
Currently, ADC has three presidential aspirants: Atiku Abubakar, Obi, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi. According to sources, the party continues efforts to bring Kwankwaso into the fold. Obi had previously pledged to serve a single term if elected, with Kwankwaso expressing willingness to serve as vice-presidential candidate.
A top ADC insider confirmed that Obasanjo has been actively connecting Obi with northern power brokers to support the alliance, saying, “The former president is committed to the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership and has been engaging northern leaders to ensure it works.”
Leaders of the Kwankwasiyya Movement also acknowledged Obasanjo’s role in initiating the proposed alliance, describing the plan as progressing well. A committee comprising representatives from both camps has reportedly been set up for the strategic realisation of the joint ticket.
Magaji Ibrahim, SAN, National Legal Adviser of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and member of the alliance committee, confirmed that discussions between Obi and Kwankwaso are ongoing. He said, “We are prepared to work together either for the presidential or vice-presidential position. The priority is to salvage the nation.”
While Kwankwaso has yet to formally defect to the ADC, Ibrahim noted that any consideration below the vice-presidential position would likely be unacceptable to him.
The ADC, however, said it is not formally aware of any alliance, though it described such discussions as normal. Party spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi stated that both Obi and Kwankwaso are strong political figures, adding that any talks between them are outside the official party structure.
Atiku Abubakar’s camp dismissed concerns over the potential alliance as a threat. His spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said the former Vice President remains focused on his own campaign and does not feel threatened, while welcoming Kwankwaso to the party.
Meanwhile, supporters of Obi have expressed optimism about the potential partnership. Yinusa Tanko, Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said collaboration between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya Movements could form a powerful political bloc ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi’s supporters are also advocating for the ADC presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, arguing that it would strengthen the party’s coalition and enhance chances of defeating President Bola Tinubu. However, some party leaders have warned that pushing for zoning to the South could undermine the coalition, urging members to prioritise the party’s overall interests over regional considerations.
Kingsley Ogga, Kogi State Chairman and Chairman of the ADC Chairmen’s Forum, described zoning agitation as short-sighted, while Adamawa State Chairman Arabi Mustapha emphasised the need for leadership that can rescue the nation, rather than prioritising sectional or personal interests.
