Obasanjo Throws Weight Behind Peter Obi as Obi–Kwankwaso Alliance Gains Momentum in ADC

Amid efforts by some stakeholders inside and outside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to advance a joint presidential ticket of him and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the general elections in 2027, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly supporting Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).

According to information gathered, Obasanjo is generally seen as not only favorable to the concept but also as the main advocate for Peter Obi’s aspirations and in favor of larger initiatives to form a respectable opposition alliance.

Numerous people who spoke to Daily Trust about the issue claimed that the effort is cross-party and involves some retired military officers, major opposition politicians, and power brokers.

Obasanjo is allegedly supporting the joint ticket because the two of them offer a more competitive alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC) than any single candidate. The renewed push follows the 2023 election, in which both Peter Obi and Kwankwaso recorded primarily regional performances.

Obasanjo continues to support Peter Obi
Speaking about the incident, Obasanjo’s media assistant, Kehinde Akinyemi, affirmed that the former president still backs Peter Obi’s bid for president, just as he did in the 2023 election.

“Yes, I can confirm that one,” he responded. I can attest to his endorsement of Obi’s bid for president.

Akinyemi denied knowing of any meeting or instruction Obasanjo gave ADC leaders over the production of the Peter Obi–Kwankwaso ticket.

“How do I know if they gave a mandate when I am not aware that there was a meeting?” he continued.

It’s not on the ADC agenda.
While the Peter Obi–Kwankwaso plan is being discussed extensively among opposition stakeholders and party members, it has not been formally accepted or considered within the party’s decision-making organs, according to a senior ADC member who talked with Daily Trust about the development.

The problem of matching Obi with Kwankwaso has existed since the previous election, he stated. Many leaders think they might have won if Obi and Kwankwaso had run together in 2023. They consider it to be a lost chance.

As far as I’m aware, this is being addressed in a number of opposition forums, but the ADC as a party has not made it a party agenda item. The main focus is on party leaders and members considering out loud which ticket has the highest chance of overthrowing the APC.

The ADC leader responded to allegations that retired generals are spearheading the effort by stating that Obasanjo’s longstanding backing of Peter Obi was well known.

“You know that former President Obasanjo is an Obi fan,” the insider continued. He is supporting the Obi ticket. I can’t say for sure, but it’s probable that he has spoken with other former generals.

According to a different party insider, Peter Obi’s supporters’ steadfastness might be related to guarantees made behind closed doors.

The source further stated that elements of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as well as other opposition groups have expressed interest in the ADC due to its growing prominence.

The insider claimed that Obi’s fans must have been promised something if they were insistent on “Obi or nothing.” As far as I’m aware, there are still gatherings, conversations, and exchanges of ideas.

“A scenario in which members split up following the primaries is what the ADC wishes to prevent. Therefore, there is a strong belief that before reaching that point, the party must reach a consensus on a direction.

“The ADC is of interest to prominent Nigerians. It has therefore turned into a focal point. “When the time comes, even the PDP you see today might cooperate with the ADC,” the person stated.

“As you are aware, the Wike group is collaborating with the APC, and the Turaki-led leadership currently leans more toward the ADC than the APC. They will side with the ADC if they are unable to achieve their goals.

Therefore, people who are discussing retired generals are not far from the reality. Since Atiku will still be burdened by zoning disputes and age-related worries, many ADC leaders and others think an Obi–Kwankwaso ticket will sell better.