The Unstoppable Duo: Peter Obi And Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso’s 2027 Presidential Ticket

EMMANUEL PETER ADAYEHI 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has orchestrated the budding alliance between Dr. Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso, now formally recognized under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the upcoming 2027 presidential ticket. This development signifies a transformative moment in Nigeria’s political dynamics—one that could redefine the nation’s political landscape. At the center of this intricate political maneuvering sits the eminent 88-year-old Obasanjo, a seasoned statesman whose influence continues to resonate profoundly within Nigerian politics.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, often referred to as Baba or Baba Iyabo, is a figure of immense political gravitas. He has successfully facilitated peaceful transfers of power to civilian governments not only once but twice. Reports indicate that he is currently orchestrating what is poised to become the most robust opposition alliance in Nigeria’s democratic history, featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso. Committees have been established, and northern power brokers have been engaged as part of this strategic coalition.

The essence of this alliance stems from a straightforward yet powerful calculation; the synergy between Obi and Kwankwanso could potentially displace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu even before votes are fully counted. Obasanjo’s endorsements are not mere formalities; they are deliberate and strategic, as evidenced by his previous support for Peter Obi during the last election through a widely publicized letter. His remarks highlighted a critical distinction among candidates, admitting that while none are perfect, Obi stood out in terms of character, knowledge, and the discipline necessary for effective governance—elements crucial for navigating Nigeria’s current crisis.

Obasanjo perceives in Peter Obi an exceptional combination of confidence and character, ambition tempered by discipline, and an authentic grasp of governance’s true nature. Obi’s qualifications are commendable. In 2023, he achieved what many deemed impossible by claiming Lagos State, formerly Tinubu’s stronghold, while also sweeping through the southeast and much of the south-south region. His campaign resonated particularly with younger, educated Nigerians eager for a political departure from traditional practices, securing him a significant following despite being officially labeled third in the race—a positioning many believe to be fraudulent.

The former president has been actively connecting Dr. Peter Obi with northern political elites and traditional leaders to emphasize the necessity of their collaboration. It is not merely an endorsement but a comprehensive political engineering effort aimed at uniting forces against their common adversary, Tinubu. Understanding this alliance requires recognizing whom Obasanjo deliberately excludes; notably, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with whom Obasanjo harbors a contentious history dating back to their presidential rivalry from 1999 to 2007. The former president has consistently opposed Abubakar, backing Goodluck Jonathan against him and twice supporting Obi over Abubakar during previous elections.

By advocating for the Obi/Kwankwanso ticket, Obasanjo strategically sidelines Abubakar from the political equation. This approach proves fortuitous as the combined political force of Peter Obi, should he ascend to the presidency with Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso as his vice, would essentially eliminate any significant role for Atiku in the future political landscape.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso emerges as a compelling figure in this alliance. The former Governor of Kano State, Kwankwanso carries vast respect derived from his grassroots mobilization efforts within the Kwankwansia movement. He notably garnered an impressive 58.78% of the governorship votes in Kano during the recent elections, starkly overshadowing Tinubu’s mere 7.1% in the same region during the presidential race. His red cap has come to symbolize this identity, easily recognized throughout northern Nigeria.

In the past, while running for presidency on the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ticket, Kwankwanso and Obi sought to collaborate but failed to agree on the presidential flag bearer, resulting in mutual losses. However, the context has shifted dramatically; Kwankwanso has now reiterated his willingness to serve as Obi’s running mate in 2027. His pertinent refusal to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) despite pressure highlights his political integrity, making him all the more appealing to supporters seeking genuine change.

Despite the unsettling backdrop of political maneuvering within the APC, which has recently witnessed members jump ship to join competing parties, Kwankwanso remains steadfast. Governor Abba Yusuff’s recent resignation from the NNPP to the APC underscored this political turbulence, prompting Kwankwanso to declare a “betrayal day” yet encouraging his supporters to stay resolute. His defiance demonstrates a commitment to their shared political values—he boldly stated, “I am not for sale.”

Tinubu’s attempts to entice Kwankwanso into the APC fold have proven fruitless, revealing his vulnerability in building sustainable political alliances. Meanwhile, the Obi/Kwankwanso ticket offers an alternative path to the presidency, one that is framed not by historical constraints but by a clear vision for the future. Obi has distinctly suggested a singular four-year term in power, posturing not as a traditional politician but as a leader with a commitment to long-term national interests.

This pledge, if kept, would facilitate a natural transition to the presidency for Kwankwanso in 2031, equipping him with executive experience needed to lead. Unlike a role under Tinubu’s administration, fraught with uncertainty and competition, this alliance offers a clear trajectory for political ascendance—one that comes with the potential for a strong incumbency advantage.

Beyond the political calculus lies the promise of a ticket that reflects Nigeria’s diversity; Obi, a Christian from the southeast, and Kwankwanso, a Hausa Muslim from the north, encapsulate the need for unity in a nation often divided by identity politics. This pairing challenges the status quo, appealing to citizens who yearn for representation that transcends sectional affiliations.

Both candidates have demonstrated effective governance: Obi’s transformative impact in Anambra State, coupled with Kwankwanso’s two tenures as Kano State Governor, speaks volumes of their capability. Their political narratives resonate with the masses disenchanted with the old political order, presenting a refreshing alternative to the entrenched establishment.

From an electoral standpoint, the arithmetic forebodes disaster for the APC. In the 2023 elections, Obi succeeded in winning 12 states alongside the Federal Capital Territory, while Kwankwanso secured a crushing margin in Kano. If the opposition unites, the APC faces a formidable challenge in the upcoming elections, particularly as Obi mobilizes support across various demographics—including the southeast, middle belt, and urban Lagos.

Interestingly, as of December 2025, Obi has made a significant move by officially joining the ADC, the same platform on which Obasanjo is laying the groundwork for this pivotal alliance. Remarking on his political ambitions, Obi declared he does not seek the vice presidency; his proclamation underscored his intent to steer Nigeria towards recovery.

The emerging alliance represents not just a tactical partnership but a movement with the potential to capture the national conscience. Underpinning the political landscape is a growing disenchantment with the economic hardships that have arisen under Tinubu’s administration, characterized by soaring inflation and stark insecurity, which have left many Nigerians questioning the government’s effectiveness.

Obi’s popularity in the southeast and Kwankwanso’s appeal in Kano provide a complementary force, allowing them to galvanize substantial support across diverse regions. This unification could resonate with Muslim voters who might prefer a balanced leadership and could pave the way for reconciliation in religiously sensitive areas.

In light of these dynamics, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s role as a backend navigator, aligning past adversaries for the sake of national integrity, is crucial. He is revisiting the lessons learned from previous elections where fragmentation undermined opposition unity, applying those insights to ensure the emergence of a robust and united front for 2027.

As this political narrative unfolds, I, Emmanuel, commit to presenting the truth unadulterated, emphasizing the urgency of these developments in shaping Nigeria’s political future. The implications of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s responses to these emerging alliances will undoubtedly be significant, as the political weather shifts toward a critical new chapter in Nigerian governance.