Plans for a joint 2027 presidential ticket between former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and ex–Kano State Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso have advanced, with the alliance being pushed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, party officials said.
Obi and Kwankwaso have set up a committee to actualize the ticket on the platform of the African Democratic Congress , according to a senior party official who spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said Obasanjo proposed the partnership, encouraged Obi’s move to the ADC and urged him to work with Kwankwaso to secure the party’s presidential and vice-presidential slots.
Obasanjo campaigned openly for Obi in the 2023 election, mobilizing support nationwide against the then-candidate of the All Progressives Congress,now President Bola Tinubu In a Jan. 1, 2023, open letter, Obasanjo said Obi had an edge over rivals based on character, experience and capacity to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Kwankwaso previously served as defense minister under Obasanjo’s second term. The former president has meanwhile made clear his opposition to another presidential bid by his former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.
Atiku, Obi and former transportation minister Rotimi Amaechi are among aspirants within the ADC, while efforts continue to bring Kwankwaso into the party. Before defecting, Obi pledged to serve a single term if elected, after which Kwankwaso indicated readiness to run as vice president.
Although Kwankwaso has yet to formally join the ADC, party sources said the alliance is underway. One official said Obasanjo has been linking Obi with northern power brokers to smooth the path.
“We’re aware of the alliance, though Kwankwaso is not in our party yet,” the official said. “Former President Obasanjo connected the two and is committed to making it work.”
A leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement also confirmed Obasanjo’s role. “The former president mooted the idea, and we are happy to be on track,” the source said.
