Osuntokun: Obasanjo Is Backing Obi-Kwankwaso, Not Working for Tinubu

A former political adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Akin Osuntokun, has dismissed claims that the former Nigerian leader is working to advance President Bola Tinubu’s political interests, insisting that Obasanjo is backing a proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Osuntokun described the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as more realistic and politically stronger than the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential arrangement.

According to him, the combination of Obi and Kwankwaso would present a formidable challenge in 2027, particularly because of Kwankwaso’s political influence in Kano State.

“Obi and Kwankwaso is a much more realistic, more compelling ticket than the 2023 one,” Osuntokun said.

He added that Kwankwaso’s political base would significantly strengthen the alliance.

Osuntokun further claimed that Obasanjo personally initiated discussions that brought both politicians together.

“Look, Obasanjo is critical of Tinubu. If you can say that Obasanjo is supporting any ticket, it is Peter Obi and Kwankwaso. As a matter of fact, he is the main sponsor of that ticket,” he stated.

“He was the one who brokered the ticket between Obi and Kwankwaso. Both of them are quite close to him.”

According to Osuntokun, Obasanjo had attempted to facilitate a similar alliance before the 2023 presidential election, but the arrangement did not materialise.

He said the former president recently reminded Kwankwaso that had both politicians accepted the proposal earlier, they could have agreed on a one-term arrangement before power changed hands.

Osuntokun also rejected suggestions that Obasanjo’s recent response to former Ogun State governor Olusegun Osoba was intended to favour Tinubu politically.

He argued that claims linking Obasanjo to Tinubu’s interests contradict the former president’s support for the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance.

While acknowledging that incumbency gives Tinubu an electoral advantage, Osuntokun maintained that an Obi-led ticket enjoys stronger public appeal than one headed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, insisting it would be more competitive in the 2027 presidential election.