Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is the key figure behind ongoing talks aimed at forming a joint 2027 presidential ticket between Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
A senior official of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) said Obasanjo proposed the alliance and encouraged Obi to defect to the party. The former president also asked Obi to work with Kwankwaso to secure the party’s presidential and vice-presidential tickets.
Obasanjo openly backed Obi during the 2023 election and campaigned against the All Progressives Congress candidate, now President Bola Tinubu. In a public letter at the time, he described Obi as having an edge over other contenders based on character and discipline.
Sources said Obasanjo has continued to link Obi with northern power brokers to strengthen the proposed partnership. One ADC official said the former president believes the alliance could unite broad regional support ahead of 2027.
A leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement also confirmed Obasanjo’s role, saying the idea originated from him and that discussions are progressing.
