Obidient, Kwankwasiyya Groups Back Joint Obi-Kwankwaso Ticket Ahead Of 2027

Support groups loyal to former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former NNPP flagbearer, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have begun moves to promote a joint presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, describing unity among opposition forces as essential to challenging the ruling party.

The decision was announced on Saturday during the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Aspirants’ Summit held in Abuja, where members of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements pledged to mobilise support and resources for a possible Obi-Kwankwaso alliance.

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, disclosed that supporters plan to raise ₦60 million to purchase a joint presidential nomination form for Obi and Kwankwaso.

According to Tanko, the initiative reflects growing grassroots calls for opposition unity and a stronger political alternative ahead of the next election cycle.

He said the collaboration was driven by public demand for credible leadership capable of addressing Nigeria’s political and economic challenges.

Speaking on behalf of Obi, former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh, urged political aspirants to embrace integrity, sacrifice and people-focused leadership.

“Nigeria does not need more politicians; it needs statesmen and women who will prioritise the public over personal gain and greed,” Ameh said.

He also warned against violence, vote-buying and manipulation during elections, stressing that genuine leadership must be built on accountability and trust.

“The world is watching, and Nigerians are watching,” he added.

Ameh further criticised post-election defections by elected officials, describing them as a betrayal of voters’ trust and a threat to democratic values.

Representing Kwankwaso, Coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Network (KNN), Moshood Shittu, said Nigeria’s difficulties were largely caused by insincere leadership and failure to prioritise national interest.

“One day, the people will come together and say enough is enough. The resilience of grassroots supporters demands change,” he said.

Shittu argued that Nigeria’s major challenge was not a lack of resources but the inability of leaders to speak honestly and govern selflessly.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress moved to reassure party members over concerns surrounding the selection of candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Enekweizu, promised a transparent and credible primary process, dismissing rumours of a predetermined list of candidates.

He stated that all aspirants who purchase nomination forms would participate fully in either primary elections or a consensus process.

Enekweizu also announced discounted nomination fees aimed at encouraging wider participation, stating that women and youths between 18 and 35 years would pay 50 per cent of the fees, while persons living with disabilities would pay 25 per cent.

Also speaking, NDC chieftain Buba Galadima warned that direct primaries often lead to internal crises and prolonged litigation.

He cited experiences from the 2011 Kano primaries, which he said resulted in violence, injuries and legal disputes, urging political parties to adopt consensus arrangements where necessary to preserve unity and stability.