2027: Obasanjo brokers Obi-Kwankwaso ADC ticket against Atiku

Indications have emerged that former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are exploring a joint ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the duo reportedly positioning to challenge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential nomination.

Obi, who ran on the Labour Party (LP) platform, and Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), had attempted an alliance ahead of the 2023 polls, but talks collapsed over disagreements on the ticket arrangement.

Sources told Daily Trust that renewed efforts are being led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who believes a united Obi-Kwankwaso ticket offers the opposition a stronger chance of mounting a credible challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Obi is reported to have formally joined the ADC last week, signaling his intention to contest the presidency, while Kwankwaso is in discussions with political leaders regarding his next move.

Multiple sources suggested that Obasanjo has tentatively persuaded Kwankwaso to accept a running mate position, with the duo’s supporters exploring two strategic options:

1. Securing the ADC ticket to confront Atiku directly at the primaries.

2. Seeking an alternative platform outside the ADC should the primaries prove unfavourable.

Obi and Kwankwaso’s renewed partnership efforts are informed by their 2023 electoral performances: Obi garnered over six million votes nationwide, dominating the South-East, Lagos, and the FCT, while Kwankwaso secured a decisive victory in Kano State, consolidating his influence through the Kwankwasiyya movement.

A close aide of Kwankwaso told Daily Trust that “high-level discussions with key stakeholders across the political spectrum are ongoing,” adding that the public would be informed soon. “We firmly believe Nigeria urgently requires a departure from the current environment characterised by rampant insecurity and the widespread collapse of essential systems,” the aide said.

Efforts to reach the Atiku Media Office and the Obidient Movement for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing.

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