In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially named former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso as his Vice Presidential candidate.
The announcement, confirmed at the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)’s special convention in Abuja, solidifies a powerful opposition alliance between the two political heavyweights under the platform of the NDC, a party led by former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson.
Both Obi and Kwankwaso recently defected to the NDC, a new but fast-growing political force officially registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on February 5, 2026. The party has since been positioning itself as a formidable alternative, aiming to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, often referred to by supporters as the “OBIdient-Kwankwasiyya” movement, merges two influential political blocs with strong national support bases. The partnership is expected to reshape early expectations for the 2027 presidential contest, presenting a significant challenge to the APC’s dominance.
In his remarks at the convention, Obi stressed the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, stating, “It is unacceptable that more than 50 per cent of our population is not actively engaged in productive activities”. Kwankwaso, on his part, emphasized the need for a political platform that serves as an instrument for social development, not just a vehicle for power.
Senator Seriake Dickson, the national leader of the NDC, welcomed the alliance, describing the party as an ideological platform committed to progress, inclusiveness, and integrity. With the confirmation, Obi and Kwankwaso are expected to jointly lead the NDC’s campaign into the 2027 race, marking one of the most significant opposition alliances ahead of the election cycle.
