Moves to form a broad opposition front ahead of the 2027 presidential election have intensified as plans for a joint ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso reach an advanced stage.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and former Kano State governor Kwankwaso have set up a joint committee to drive negotiations for a presidential alliance under the African Democratic Congress.
Party insiders revealed that the initiative was proposed and strongly backed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who reportedly encouraged Obi to align with Kwankwaso in securing the party’s presidential and vice presidential tickets.
Obasanjo openly supported Obi during the 2023 election, citing his character, discipline and capacity to steer Nigeria through its current challenges. The former president is also said to be actively engaging northern political leaders to rally support for the emerging alliance.
While Kwankwaso has yet to formally defect to the ADC, discussions on his entry into the party are ongoing. Leaders of the Kwankwasiyya Movement confirmed that Obasanjo played a central role in initiating talks between the two political figures.
Sources in Obi’s camp said the alliance committee was constituted about a month ago and has since begun consultations within the party and across key political blocs.
Confirming the talks, a senior member of the Kwankwasiyya Movement stated that both camps are open to either candidate taking the presidential or vice presidential slot, stressing that the overriding objective is national renewal.
Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi and Obi are currently linked to presidential ambitions within the ADC, while efforts continue to finalise Kwankwaso’s participation in the unfolding coalition.
