Recalls, the coalition party, African Democratic Congress, is battling internal uncertainty as the anticipated membership of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi remains stalled, leaving the party’s future direction unclear.

Several credible sources within the coalition, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to comment, told PUNCH that the party was struggling to gain traction due to the refusal of Atiku, Obi, and other key political figures to join its ranks.

Due to the ongoing political turmoil within the Labour Party, despite Mr. Obi’s efforts to galvanize support through the “Obidient Movement,” he has aligned with other prominent politicians to form a coalition with the African Democratic Congress.

Within this coalition, Atiku Abubakar is positioning himself as the primary presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
This situation has cultivated a sense of frustration among Mr. Obi’s supporters, particularly as Atiku Abubakar has maintained his preference to run as a northern candidate. Many members of the coalition have expressed concerns that Atiku’s stance may undermine the party’s ability to effectively challenge President Tinubu in the upcoming election.

In contrast, reports indicate that the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) is open to a merger with the coalition party, with the intent of mobilizing support against the incumbent president, Bola Tinubu.

An influential figure in this evolving political narrative is Rabiu Kwankwaso, the notable leader of the NNPP, who has recently advocated for collective action to dismantle President Tinubu’s administration in the upcoming elections.

Sources closely associated with both factions suggest that Kwankwaso is actively pursuing alliances with key political figures, including Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai, in an effort to support a Southern presidential candidate, thereby enhancing the coalition’s competitiveness against President Tinubu.

Another source within the coalition has indicated that any decisions regarding political zoning will be contingent upon an agreement between the two parties, as well as the establishment of several prerequisites before considering viable candidates from the Southern region.

Notably, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has expressed his support for Mr. Obi’s candidacy, emphasizing his previous role in facilitating Tinubu’s electoral success in the northern region during the 2023 elections.

A critical question arises: will Kwankwaso, who harbors his own ambitions to unseat President Tinubu, be willing to relinquish his candidacy in favor of Peter Obi should he represent the NNPP? Furthermore, should the NNPP prevail in the 2027 elections, will Mr. Obi adhere to his commitment to serve a single term?

Both Nasir El-Rufai and Rabiu Kwankwaso are strategically maneuvering within the political arena, suggesting that the individual who agrees to serve as Mr. Obi’s running mate in 2027 may potentially position themselves for leadership in 2031, assuming Mr. Obi’s aspirations are not merely aspirational.