Fresh political realignments are emerging within the opposition space as pressure mounts on the African Democratic Congress to consider a joint presidential ticket pairing former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of the proposed alliance argue that a collaboration between the two politicians could present the opposition with its most formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress, citing their individual electoral strengths and regional appeal.
Sources across the opposition say the push for the alliance extends beyond the ADC and involves influential politicians, party stakeholders and power brokers seeking to build a credible coalition capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political dynamics ahead of the next general election.
Both Obi and Kwankwaso contested the 2023 presidential election under different platforms, the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party respectively, and had previously explored a partnership before the polls, though discussions collapsed over disagreements on ticket structure and leadership roles.
Analysts believe renewed efforts are driven by the perception that combining Obi’s strong backing in the South-East and urban centres with Kwankwaso’s entrenched influence in Kano and the North-West could significantly alter the electoral equation.
Although the idea is gaining traction among stakeholders, insiders within the ADC say the matter has not been formally adopted by the party’s leadership or decision-making organs, describing it as ongoing consultations and informal discussions among members and opposition figures.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is widely seen as sympathetic to Obi’s presidential ambition and supportive of broader moves to strengthen opposition unity, though his aides deny knowledge of any formal directive promoting a joint ticket.
Within political circles, there is also speculation about the involvement of retired military figures and other influential actors, but sources say no consensus has yet been reached on the structure of any alliance.
Kwankwaso, who remains in the NNPP, is said to be consulting widely with political leaders and loyalists before announcing his next move, while Obi has recently aligned with the ADC following months of uncertainty over his political future.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups linked to the Kwankwasiyya movement have openly endorsed a potential partnership, describing it as a strategic pathway to challenge the APC and respond to public frustration over economic hardship, insecurity and governance concerns.
Proponents of the alliance insist that a united ticket could galvanise national support and harness growing dissatisfaction with the current administration, positioning the opposition for a more competitive outing in 2027.
