The joint presidential ambition of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is encountering significant resistance from key northern political stakeholders and sections of the electorate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Findings reveal that many northern leaders and voters have yet to embrace the NDC, citing trust issues, perceived anti-northern interests, and concerns over the party’s limited structure in the region. Some stakeholders have begun warning their followers against the alliance, with materials circulating on WhatsApp platforms describing Obi and Kwankwaso as “haram” (forbidden).
Northern leaders have expressed reservations about Obi’s candidacy, pointing to alleged sympathy for IPOB and questioning the viability of the power-sharing arrangement with Kwankwaso as running mate. The President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Council, Zaid Ayuba, noted that the NDC is struggling for acceptance in the North largely due to distrust of Obi.
Despite Kwankwaso’s influence through the Kwankwasiyya movement, particularly in Kano, analysts highlight challenges including weakened grassroots control in the state following recent defections and limited appeal beyond certain strongholds. The ticket’s prospects in broader northern states like Kaduna, Katsina, and Jigawa remain uncertain.
The development comes after Obi and Kwankwaso joined the NDC, positioning it as a major opposition platform against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Supporters argue the alliance combines Obi’s appeal in the South-East, among youths, and urban voters with Kwankwaso’s northern base, but resistance in the North a critical electoral bloc could hinder its chances.
Political observers note that while the Obi-Kwankwaso pairing generated initial excitement, deep-seated regional sentiments and party-building hurdles pose tough tests for the budding coalition.