Moves to form a joint presidential ticket between former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and ex–Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general election have intensified, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo emerging as a key driver of the proposed alliance.
Investigations revealed that Obi and Kwankwaso have set up a joint committee to work out modalities for contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.
Party insiders disclosed that the alliance was initiated by Obasanjo, who encouraged Obi to defect to the ADC and work closely with Kwankwaso to secure the party’s presidential and vice-presidential tickets.
Sources said the former president has been actively lobbying northern political leaders in support of the proposed partnership, believing it offers a viable alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Obasanjo had openly supported Obi during the 2023 election, describing him as better prepared for leadership compared to other contenders.
Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence under Obasanjo, is yet to formally join the ADC, but discussions on his defection are ongoing.
Currently, Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex–Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi are said to be presidential aspirants within the ADC.
A senior party source confirmed that while Kwankwaso has not officially joined the party, preparations for the alliance are already underway.
Leaders of the Kwankwasiyya Movement also acknowledged Obasanjo’s role in initiating the talks, expressing optimism that the partnership would materialise.
Further findings showed that a joint committee comprising representatives of both camps was established about a month ago to mobilise support within the ADC and harmonise positions.
A member of the committee, Magaji Ibrahim, SAN, confirmed that both Obi and Kwankwaso were open to serving either as president or vice president, insisting that the overriding goal was national recovery.
Despite these developments, the ADC leadership said it had no formal knowledge of the alliance.
The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that while the ADC welcomed Kwankwaso and valued Obi’s contribution, any negotiations between the two politicians were outside the party’s official framework.
Reacting to the proposed alliance, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said the former vice president was not threatened, stressing that Atiku remained focused on his political journey and welcomed broad participation within the party.
Supporters of Obi, under the Obidient Movement, welcomed the alliance, describing it as a potentially formidable force if properly coordinated.
The group’s coordinator, Yinusa Tanko, said cooperation between Obidient and Kwankwasiyya supporters could significantly reshape the 2027 political landscape.
Meanwhile, debate has emerged within the ADC over zoning. Obi’s supporters are pushing for the presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, arguing it offers the best chance of defeating Tinubu.
However, party leaders warned against zoning, insisting that competence and unity, rather than regional considerations, should guide the choice of candidate.
