Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly supporting the presidential ambition of Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, Peter Obi, amid growing efforts by political stakeholders to promote a joint ticket pairing Obi with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources indicate that discussions involving members within and outside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are gaining traction, with Obasanjo believed to be sympathetic to the coalition effort and actively encouraging moves to build a formidable opposition alliance.
According to Daily Trust, individuals familiar with the development said the initiative cuts across party lines and involves opposition figures, influential political actors, and some retired military officers.
The renewed campaign follows the 2023 election, where both Obi and Kwankwaso secured significant but largely regional support. Advocates of the joint ticket argue that a combined Obi–Kwankwaso candidacy could pose a stronger challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) than either candidate running alone.
Obasanjo Maintains Support for Obi
Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, confirmed that the former president still backs Obi’s presidential aspiration, as he did in the 2023 election.
“I can confirm his support for Obi’s presidential ambition,” Akinyemi stated, while denying knowledge of any meeting where Obasanjo directed ADC leaders to adopt an Obi–Kwankwaso ticket.
“How would I know if a mandate was given when I am unaware of such a meeting?” he added.
Not Official ADC Policy
A senior ADC member, however, noted that while the idea of pairing Obi with Kwankwaso is widely discussed among opposition stakeholders, it has not been formally adopted within the party’s official structures.
He explained that many believe a joint ticket in 2023 might have produced a different outcome, describing it as a missed opportunity. Still, he stressed that current discussions remain informal and have not become party policy.
The official also acknowledged Obasanjo’s well-known admiration for Obi but said there was no confirmation that retired generals were directly involved in driving the coalition talks.
Growing Opposition Realignments
Another insider suggested that Obi’s supporters may be confident due to assurances taking place behind the scenes. The ADC’s increasing relevance has reportedly attracted attention from opposition factions, including groups within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The source added that ADC leaders aim to avoid internal divisions after party primaries by reaching consensus early on a preferred direction.
He further claimed that some PDP factions may eventually align with the ADC, especially amid ongoing internal divisions within the party.
According to the source, many political actors believe an Obi–Kwankwaso combination could prove more attractive to voters, particularly as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may continue to face challenges related to zoning debates and concerns over age ahead of the 2027 contest.
