EX-PRESIDENT STEPS IN AS OBI, KWANKWASO CLASH WITH ATIKU OVER 2027 ADC TICKET

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BY: ELIZABETH ADEWALE

Political maneuvering is intensifying within Nigeria’s opposition as former presidential contenders Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso reportedly align to jointly vie for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket. Their move sets the stage for a direct contest against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections

Political watchers note signs of a renewed alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso. According to them, the strategy is designed to weaken Atiku’s dominance in the opposition and prevent another divided race like in 2023.

Obi and Kwankwaso, who represented the Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in 2023, had earlier explored an alliance but could not agree on who would head the ticket, leading the plan to collapse just ahead of the election

A source revealed that Kwankwaso recently met with former President Obasanjo in Abeokuta, where Obasanjo reportedly encouraged him to join the ADC and consider a vice-presidential role on an Obi-led ticket.

The source added that similar advice had earlier come from former military president Ibrahim Babangida, though without explicit discussion of positions.

Sources indicate the strategy targets a direct showdown with Atiku at the ADC primaries, rather than sidestepping him.

Although Obi has officially joined the ADC and signalled his 2027 ambitions, Kwankwaso is yet to leave the NNPP, noting that consultations continue. According to a close aide, Kwankwaso informed Daily Trust that talks have progressed significantly.

Promoters of the alliance are said to be planning a fallback option, even as efforts concentrate on the ADC ticket.

Kwankwaso told supporters over the weekend that any alliance must feature him prominently on the ticket, he refuted reports linking Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to a potential APC defection, insisting no such arrangement exists.

According to political analysts, the renewed Obi–Kwankwaso strategy reflects 2023 insights, but Atiku could still play a defining role.

The prospective ticket is “mouthwatering,” said Prof. Abubakar Kari, noting the way the two politicians complement each other, He warned that the opposition may repeat past missteps if it splinters again.

According to Dr. Sam Amadi, the ticket can only succeed if it secures strong backing across northern states.