…an ADC chieftain, Aminu Nda-Onu, argued that voter sentiment would ultimately be decisive.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| Former Labour Party presidential candidate,Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have reportedly teamed up in a political alliance ahead of the African Democratic Congress presidential primary(ADC).
Under the deal, yet to be formally announced but widely speculated, Kwankwaso is expected to run as Obi’s vice-presidential candidate, as both leaders seek to consolidate northern and southern support within the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The agreement is said to have been sealed in Abuja after weeks of back-channel negotiations coordinated by senior party stakeholders pushing for a broad-based ticket capable of challenging other contenders.
The emerging Obi–Kwankwaso ticket is now set for a direct contest with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, both of whom are also eyeing the ADC presidential ticket. Online platforms have already dubbed the alliance the “OK Movement” (Obi-Kwankwaso Movement or Obidient-Kwankwasiyya Movement).
ADC insiders say the pairing is designed to merge Obi’s stronghold in the South-East and South-South with Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya base in the North-West, in a move to reshape the party’s electoral prospects.
Reacting, a senior aide in Atiku’s camp described the alliance as “expected,” insisting the former vice president remains the most experienced and widely accepted candidate in the race.
“We welcome competition. Atiku has nationwide structures and the goodwill to win. This is democracy; we are not losing sleep over any alliance,” the aide said.
Similarly, allies of Rotimi Amaechi dismissed the ticket as a “marriage of convenience” unlikely to significantly alter the dynamics of the primary.
“Politics is about numbers and structures, not headlines. Amaechi is consulting widely and will present himself when the time comes. Let them forge alliances; we are building a coalition that can win in 2027,” an Amaechi loyalist said.
In Kano, supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement welcomed the development, describing Kwankwaso’s willingness to take the vice-presidential slot as a sign of political maturity.
“Kwankwaso is a strategist. If stepping down helps us win, so be it. What matters is rescuing Nigeria,” said Sani Bello, a coordinator in Fagge Local Government Area.
Kwankwaso’s current stance marks a shift from his position ahead of the 2023 election, when he rejected the idea of deputising Obi, claiming a higher political standing.
However, Obi’s stronger performance in the 2023 presidential election, prevailing sentiments favouring a southern presidency in 2027, and the recognition that both leaders may struggle individually against incumbent Bola Ahmed Tinubu appear to have influenced the new alignment. Obi’s reported pledge to serve a single term if elected is also seen as a factor, potentially positioning Kwankwaso for a future presidential bid.
Supporters of Obi, widely known as the Obidient Movement, insist he must retain the presidential slot in any alliance.
“We trust Obi; 2027 is not a time to play second fiddle,” said Ngozi Eze, a trader in Onitsha Main Market.
A key member of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Umar Faruk, confirmed that discussions had reached an advanced stage, with stakeholders aligning behind the arrangement.
“Obi will run for president while Kwankwaso will be his running mate. This has been agreed in principle, and we believe it offers a credible path to Nigeria’s liberation,” he said.
Also speaking, the national coordinator of the Obedient Movement, Tanko Yunusa, confirmed ongoing efforts to actualise the alliance.
“Yes, we are working together to ensure this becomes a reality. We are serious about it,” he said.
Earlier, the National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Ladipo Johnson, described the proposed joint ticket as a strong option for energising opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Meanwhile, concerns persist over the grassroots strength of key figures within the ADC coalition. Analysts and stakeholders cite past election results and shifting alliances across states as potential challenges.
Prominent figures linked to the coalition include Dino Melaye, Tunde Ogbeha, Dele Momodu, John Odigie-Oyegun, Babachir Lawal, Sadique Abubakar, Ireti Kingibe, Bolaji Abdullahi, Rauf Aregbesola, and David Mark.
Data from the 2023 elections and subsequent polls show varying levels of electoral strength across states, raising questions about the coalition’s ability to translate individual popularity into coordinated national success.
In Anambra, Obi secured 584,621 votes in 2023, but the ADC polled just 8,208 votes in the 2025 governorship election, highlighting structural gaps. In Adamawa, Atiku maintained dominance with 417,611 votes, while in Kogi, Dino Melaye’s 46,362 votes underscored challenges in building grassroots support.
In Rivers State, Amaechi faces structural hurdles amid strong networks aligned with Nyesom Wike, particularly across Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt City, Eleme, and Ikwerre.
Analysts say the 2027 race will depend less on popularity and more on grassroots organisation and control of polling units.
“If you look at recent elections, control of polling units, not just popularity, determines outcomes,” said analyst Kabiru Sani.
Another analyst, Nkechi Okafor, noted that shifting alliances could still reshape the political landscape.
However, an ADC chieftain, Aminu Nda-Onu, argued that voter sentiment would ultimately be decisive.
“It is not just about individuals; Nigerians will decide based on performance and credibility,” he said.
Despite differing views, observers agree that without strong ward-level structures and polling unit control, even the most prominent political figures may struggle to convert influence into electoral victory in 2027.
