Amid efforts by some stakeholders inside and outside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to float 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).
It was discovered that Obasanjo is generally regarded 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.
Several people who discussed the topic told Daily Trust that the effort is cross-party and involves some retired military officers, leading opposition politicians, and power brokers.
The renewed push follows the 2023 election, where Peter Obi and Kwankwaso both had primarily regional results. According to reports, Obasanjo is supporting the joint ticket because the two of them are a more strong alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC) than any one candidate running alone.
Peter Obi is still supported by Obasanjo.
Speaking about the development, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo’s media adviser, 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 backing of Obi’s bid for president.
According to Akinyemi, there was no meeting or instruction from Obasanjo to ADC leaders about the production of the Peter Obi–Kwankwaso ticket.
“How do I know if they gave a mandate when I am unaware that there was a meeting?” he continued.
Within ADC, it is not on the agenda.
Although 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 issue.
“The problem of matching Obi with Kwankwaso has existed since the last election,” he stated. Many leaders think they could have won if Obi and Kwankwaso had run together in 2023. They consider it a lost chance.
“As far as I’m aware, this is being debated in a number of opposition forums, but the ADC as a party has not made it a priority. It is more about party leaders and people deliberating out loud and determining which ticket will best depose the APC.
The ADC chieftain responded to allegations that retired generals are spearheading the effort by stating that Obasanjo’s longstanding backing of Peter Obi was well known.
“You are aware that former President Obasanjo is a fan of Obi,” the person continued. He is supporting the ticket for Obi. I am unable to verify whether he has had conversations with other former generals.
According to another party insider, Peter Obi’s supporters’ steadfastness might be related to guarantees made behind closed doors.
The source went on to say 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 source said, “For Obi’s supporters to insist on ‘Obi or nothing’, they must have been promised something,” the source said. I am aware that there are still meetings, conversations, and exchanges of ideas.
“A scenario where members split up after the primaries is what the ADC wishes to prevent. For this reason, there is a strong belief that before reaching that point, the party must reach a consensus on a course.
The ADC is of relevance to notable Nigerians. It has so turned into a focal point. When the time comes, even the PDP you see today might cooperate with the ADC, the source stated.
As you are aware, the Turaki-led leadership is more aligned with the ADC than the APC, while the Wike group is collaborating with the APC. They will support the ADC if they are unable to achieve their goals.
Those who are discussing retired generals are therefore not far from the reality. Given that 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.
