Former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo is reportedly working behind the scenes to forge an alliance between Labour Party’s Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party’s (NNPP) Rabiu Kwankwaso, with the aim of securing a joint presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

According to sources, Obasanjo believes that an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would significantly boost their chances of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming elections. The proposed alliance is expected to challenge former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the presidential ticket of the coalition-led African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Sources close to the matter reveal that Obasanjo has tentatively persuaded Kwankwaso to accept the vice-presidential slot on an Obi-led ticket. The plan is to first secure the ADC presidential ticket by confronting Atiku directly at the party’s primaries.

“Kwankwaso went to Abeokuta to meet Baba Obasanjo last week, and Baba told him to join the ADC and accept to be Obi’s vice,” a source said. “The thinking is that the political momentum and current dynamics, both local and international, favour an Obi presidency.”

Kwankwaso’s aide has confirmed that high-level discussions are ongoing, stating that while their party has not yet finalized its position, they are engaged in talks with key stakeholders across the political spectrum.

The proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance is seen as a strategic move to unseat Tinubu in 2027, with Obasanjo playing a key role in brokering the deal. As the political landscape continues to shift, one thing is clear: the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Nigerian politics.