Supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso have commenced early negotiations aimed at forming what could emerge as a major opposition alliance ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
The talks are focused on producing a consensus presidential ticket under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) platform, in a move supporters say is designed to strengthen opposition chances against the ruling party.
Obi and Kwankwaso were presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections under the platforms of the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), respectively, leading the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya political movements.
The proposed alliance was unveiled during the NDC Aspirants’ Summit held in Abuja, reflecting growing concerns among opposition figures and grassroots supporters that divided political interests could once again weaken efforts to unseat the ruling party in 2027.
Political observers say the development signals a strategic shift from the fragmented opposition politics that characterised the 2023 elections, where strong candidates split votes across regional and ideological lines.
Supporters within both the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements are now exploring the possibility of building a united front well ahead of the official campaign season.
Speaking at the summit, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, disclosed that supporters had already begun mobilising funds to purchase a joint presidential nomination form for Obi and Kwankwaso.
According to him, the target is to raise ₦60 million as both a symbolic and practical demonstration of grassroots commitment to the coalition project.
Tanko said the proposed alliance was in response to growing calls from Nigerians for a stronger opposition platform capable of addressing the country’s economic and governance challenges.
Although neither Obi nor Kwankwaso has formally declared interest in the 2027 presidential race, the growing collaboration between their supporters has already sparked discussions within political circles over possible power-sharing arrangements, regional considerations and the management of competing ambitions.
Representing Obi at the summit, former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh, urged politicians seeking office under the NDC platform to prioritise credibility and national interest above personal gain.
Ameh stated that many Nigerians were becoming increasingly disillusioned with politics driven by greed, defections and transactional alliances, warning that any coalition lacking clear principles would struggle to gain public trust.
He also criticised the rising trend of post-election defections by politicians, arguing that such actions undermine democratic accountability and betray voters who supported candidates based on party ideology and campaign promises.
