The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has named former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election, sealing a major opposition alliance ahead of the polls.
Obi announced the decision on Saturday shortly after he was formally affirmed as the NDC’s presidential candidate during the party’s special convention in Abuja. The move confirms months of speculation about a possible political partnership between the two opposition leaders, who have maintained close engagements in recent months.
The former Anambra State governor emerged as the sole aspirant for the party’s presidential ticket and was presented with the party’s flag by NDC leaders in the presence of delegates and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Political observers have described the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as one of the most significant opposition alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Both men contested the 2023 presidential election on separate platforms and built strong support bases across different regions of the country. Their decision to unite under the NDC banner is expected to reshape opposition politics and strengthen efforts to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election cycle.
Obi is widely regarded as having significant support among young voters, urban residents and many constituents across the South-East and parts of the South-South. Kwankwaso, meanwhile, remains a dominant political force in Kano State and several northern states through the influential Kwankwasiyya movement. Their alliance is expected to expand the NDC’s national appeal and electoral reach.
The emergence of the joint ticket follows weeks of political manoeuvring that saw both leaders leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid internal disputes, legal battles and disagreements over the party’s direction.
Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC earlier in May after announcing their resignation from the ADC, a development that dealt a setback to broader opposition coalition efforts aimed at presenting a united front against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Reports indicated that concerns over internal divisions, ongoing court cases and disagreements among party stakeholders influenced their decision to seek an alternative political platform.
Upon joining the NDC, both leaders were received by party executives led by former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, a key figure within the party.
Although Saturday’s announcement formally cemented their alliance, political analysts had long anticipated a partnership between Obi and Kwankwaso.
In recent months, both politicians held a series of consultations and strategic meetings that fuelled speculation about a joint presidential bid. One of the most notable meetings took place in Kano, where Obi joined other opposition figures in discussions with Kwankwaso amid growing calls for opposition unity and political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Their subsequent departure from the ADC and eventual migration to the NDC further strengthened expectations that both leaders were working towards a common political objective, which has now culminated in a joint presidential ticket for the 2027 race.
