Supporters of former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have begun early coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both camps backing a possible consensus presidential ticket under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The move, unveiled during the party’s Aspirants’ Summit in Abuja, also saw supporters of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements announce plans to raise ₦60 million for the purchase of a joint presidential nomination form, in what organisers described as a symbolic grassroots mobilisation for opposition unity.
Obi and Kwankwaso were presidential candidates in the 2023 elections on the platforms of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party respectively.
Their supporters now appear determined to avoid the fragmentation that weakened opposition parties during the last presidential contest.
Political observers say the development reflects growing pressure within opposition circles for a broader alliance capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said the fundraising initiative was aimed at demonstrating popular support for a coalition project many Nigerians believe could reshape the country’s political direction.
According to him, the proposed alliance is a response to increasing public demand for a stronger and more coordinated 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 increasing collaboration between their support bases has already triggered political discussions around possible power-sharing arrangements, regional balancing and the management of competing ambitions.
Representing Obi at the summit, former Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Chief Peter Ameh, urged aspirants seeking elective positions under the NDC to prioritise national interest, competence and credibility above personal ambition.
Ameh warned that coalitions built solely on political convenience and defections without clear ideological direction may struggle to gain the confidence of Nigerians.
He also criticised the growing culture of post-election defections by politicians, arguing that such actions weaken democratic accountability and betray voters who elected candidates based on party programmes and manifesto promises.
On his part, Coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Network, Moshood Shittu, blamed Nigeria’s challenges largely on leadership failure rather than lack of resources, insisting that the country requires honest and competent leadership to overcome its present difficulties.
Beyond the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, concerns also emerged at the summit over how candidates would emerge within the NDC ahead of the elections.
National Secretary of the party, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured aspirants that the party would conduct transparent primaries and dismissed allegations that a secret list of preferred candidates already existed within the leadership.
Enekweizu stated that all aspirants who purchase nomination forms would be allowed to participate either through democratic primaries or consensus arrangements.
He further announced special concessions for women, youths and persons living with disabilities, disclosing that female aspirants and contestants between the ages of 18 and 35 would pay only 50 per cent of nomination fees, while persons living with disabilities would pay 25 per cent.
Meanwhile, veteran politician Buba Galadima cautioned opposition parties against poorly managed primaries, warning that internal disputes could weaken coalition efforts before the election season begins.
Drawing from past experiences, Galadima said violent and divisive primaries often leave parties battling litigation, factional crises and lingering bitterness, adding that properly negotiated consensus arrangements may help opposition parties maintain unity ahead of 2027.
As coalition talks continue to gather momentum, political analysts believe the coming months will determine whether the emerging Obi-Kwankwaso discussions evolve into a formidable opposition alliance or end as another failed coalition attempt in Nigeria’s political history.
