Plans for a joint presidential ticket between Labour Party’s 2023 flagbearer, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections have advanced significantly.
Investigations revealed that both politicians have constituted a joint committee to actualise the alliance on the platform of the African Democratic Congress. A senior ADC official disclosed that the alliance was initiated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who reportedly encouraged Obi to defect to the party and work with Kwankwaso to secure its presidential and vice-presidential tickets.
According to the source, Obasanjo not only endorsed Obi’s move to the ADC but also facilitated discussions between him and Kwankwaso, while reaching out to northern political leaders to strengthen the proposed partnership.
Obasanjo had openly supported Obi during the 2023 presidential election, describing him in a New Year letter as having an edge over other contenders in character, discipline and capacity to govern. Kwankwaso, meanwhile, served as Minister of Defence during Obasanjo’s second term as president.
The former president is said to be less enthusiastic about the renewed presidential ambition of his former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, who is also seeking the ADC ticket alongside Obi and former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi. Although Kwankwaso is yet to formally join the party, negotiations on his defection are ongoing.
Sources close to the talks confirmed that Obi, who has pledged to serve only one term if elected, is open to a power-sharing arrangement, with Kwankwaso indicating readiness to serve as vice president. A leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement also confirmed Obasanjo’s role in initiating the alliance.
A member of the alliance committee disclosed that it was set up about a month ago and has moved discussions beyond exploratory talks. This was corroborated by Magaji Ibrahim, SAN, National Legal Adviser of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and a Kwankwasiyya leader, who said the committee comprises representatives from both camps and that discussions were at an advanced stage.
However, the ADC has denied formal knowledge of the alliance. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said while Kwankwaso had not joined the ADC, the party was open to welcoming him, adding that any talks between Obi and Kwankwaso were outside the party’s structures.
Reacting to the development, Atiku’s spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said the former vice president was not threatened by the proposed alliance, insisting that Atiku remained focused on his political journey and welcomed broader efforts to rescue the country.
Supporters of Obi, under the Obidient Movement, welcomed the possible partnership, describing it as a strong combination capable of reshaping the political landscape ahead of 2027. Meanwhile, some Obi loyalists within the ADC are pushing for the party’s presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, arguing that it offers the best chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu.
Party leaders, however, cautioned against zoning, warning that such agitation could weaken the coalition and undermine its broader national appeal.
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