Peter Obi
Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
A coalition of political heavyweights has thrown its weight behind former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general election, in a move that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape.
Loyalists of former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar formally endorsed Mr Obi during a coalition meeting in Abuja on Friday. The gathering brought together members of the Obidient Movement, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, and the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups Initiative.
Speaking at the event, Habibu Muhammed, spokesman for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, said the group had resolved to align with Mr Obi due to his proven leadership credentials and commitment to national development.
“In 2027, there is going to be a political revolution where the common man will come out and determine his own fate,” Mr Muhammed said. “There are no other persons other than Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.”
He stressed that leadership should not be a matter of trial and error, pointing to Mr Kwankwaso’s track record in education and governance as the standard Nigerians ought to demand.
Mr Muhammed added that the movement had accepted the need to support another region in the interest of national balance and unity. “Everybody knows he contested for president. But now we have agreed that there is a need to consider other parts of the country, which we all agree is fair.”
Obinna Okorie, national coordinator of the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups Initiative, appealed to Atiku to back Mr Obi’s ambition, citing the country’s evolving political dynamics and Mr Obi’s national appeal.
“We have been supporting Atiku since 2019. He is our father and leader. After studying the political dynamics of Nigeria, we came up with the decision that we would beg Atiku to support Peter Obi,” Mr Okorie said.
Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, hailed the growing opposition alliance, insisting that efforts to divide the coalition had failed.
“Today signifies the importance of our coalition again. Those who want to create differences among us have failed. This country needs to be salvaged,” Mr Tanko said.
The endorsements signal significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 polls, as opposition forces appear to be coalescing around a single candidate.
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