2027 ADC Ticket: Ex-Powerful President Prefers Obi, Kwankwaso Ticket; Plots Against Atiku Begins

There has been a strategic shift among opposition leaders as former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso seek to collaborate in their challenge against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Political analysts suggest that this renewed partnership between Obi and Kwankwaso aims to diminish Atiku’s influence within the opposition and to avoid the fragmented contest similar to what was seen in the 2023 presidential election.

Both leaders previously ran for president under the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), respectively, in 2023.

Their earlier attempts to ally fell through due to disagreements over leadership roles before the election.

Obi captured significant support in the South-East, Lagos, and the Federal Capital Territory, while Kwankwaso excelled in Kano. Observers believe that by joining forces, they could harness their regional strengths to better compete against Atiku’s established position.

Moreover, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly playing a pivotal role in facilitating discussions between the two camps. He is advocating for a unified opposition ticket and has suggested that Kwankwaso join the ADC and consider a vice-presidential role under an Obi-led campaign, viewing this as the most viable strategy for the opposition’s success in the upcoming elections.

“Kwankwaso went to Abeokuta to meet Baba Obasanjo last week and Baba told him to join the ADC and accept to be Obi’s vice,” the source said.

The source added that similar advice had previously been offered by former military president Ibrahim Babangida, although without explicit discussion of positions.

Strategy targets ADC primaries rather than avoidance

According to insiders, the plan is not to sidestep Atiku but to confront him directly at the ADC primaries. “The goal is to get Obi and Kwankwaso to work together to challenge Atiku for the ADC ticket. “They know Atiku will not back down easily, and that the internal dynamics of party politics favour him,” a source explained.

The source added: “There is hardly a chance that either Obi or Kwankwaso, acting alone, can defeat Atiku at the primaries. But with both of them pulling their weight together, they believe they may stand a chance.”

Kwankwaso confirms talks as decision looms

While Obi formally joined the ADC recently and has publicly signalled his intention to contest in 2027, Kwankwaso remains within the NNPP.

However, he confirmed at the weekend that consultations were ongoing.

Through a close aide, Kwankwaso told Daily Trust that discussions were at an advanced level.

“Although our party has not yet finalized our stance and reached a consensus on our next step, we can confirm that we are having top-level talks with key players from across all of politics, including politicians and individuals,” explained this aide.

He added: “Our position will soon be made public. We strongly believe that Nigeria needs an urgent break from the present setting rife with insecurity and the failure of critical infrastructure.”

The aide encouraged supporters to remain patient, saying: “We appeal to the public to remain patient and to continue to support our cause while we toil to create a better Nigeria for all citizens.”

Alternative platform considered if ADC route fails

Despite the focus on securing the ADC ticket, promoters of the alliance are reportedly preparing a backup plan.