Fresh political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections have placed former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the centre of a proposed alliance between Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Findings indicate that discussions between Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, and Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State, have progressed significantly. The talks are believed to be focused on presenting a joint presidential ticket on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Sources within the party disclosed that Obasanjo initiated the idea of the alliance and has continued to play a behind-the-scenes role in bringing both men together. He reportedly encouraged Obi to align with the ADC and work with Kwankwaso toward securing the party’s presidential and vice-presidential tickets.

Obasanjo was a vocal supporter of Obi during the 2023 election and openly campaigned for him across the country. Kwankwaso, on his part, previously served as Minister of Defence under Obasanjo’s administration, a relationship that appears to have helped facilitate the ongoing discussions.

Although Kwankwaso is yet to officially join the ADC, it was gathered that both camps have already set up a joint committee to plan and coordinate the proposed alliance. A source close to Obi confirmed that the committee was established about a month ago and has been working on strategies to build support within the party.

Confirming the talks, a senior figure in the Kwankwasiyya Movement and National Legal Adviser of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Magaji Ibrahim (SAN), said Kwankwaso was ready to work with Obi either as presidential or vice-presidential candidate. He added that the primary objective of the alliance was national interest rather than personal ambition.

The ADC, however, said it was not formally aware of any concluded alliance. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that while the party was open to welcoming Kwankwaso, any discussions between the two politicians were taking place outside its official structures.

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also linked to the ADC, has dismissed claims that the Obi-Kwankwaso talks pose a threat to his political ambitions. His media aide stated that Atiku remains focused on his own political journey and sees no reason to feel threatened by alliances within the party.

Supporters of Obi, under the Obidient Movement, have welcomed the possible partnership, describing it as a strong combination that could reshape the political landscape ahead of 2027. However, internal debates have emerged within the ADC over zoning, with some party figures opposing calls for the presidential ticket to be reserved for any particular region.