Fresh political realignments may be underway within Nigeria’s opposition space ahead of the 2027 general elections, as loyalists of former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso intensify pressure for a strategic shift from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid lingering legal and leadership uncertainties.

PRNigeria gathered from credible sources that the emerging Obi–Kwankwaso alliance, popularly branded as the “OK Movement,” is exploring alternative political platforms in a bid to secure a more stable vehicle for a possible joint presidential ticket.

The development mirrors the pre-2023 election scenario, when major contenders exited legacy parties to secure tickets elsewhere, reshaping the electoral landscape.

ADC Crisis Fuels Strategic Recalibration

The renewed calculations are coming on the heels of a recent Supreme Court ruling on the leadership tussle within the ADC. While the apex court reportedly recognised the David Mark faction, it also directed parties to return to the Federal High Court for continuation of substantive proceedings—an outcome political observers describe as inconclusive.

Sources within the opposition told PRNigeria that the judgment has heightened concerns over the legal certainty and organisational stability of the ADC as a viable platform for 2027.

“There is apprehension that unresolved litigation could affect candidate nomination timelines and party legitimacy,” a source familiar with the discussions disclosed.

The anxiety is further compounded by perceptions among some stakeholders that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in 2023, may wield significant influence within the ADC, potentially shaping its ticket dynamics ahead of the next election cycle.

A member of Kwankwasiyya movement and Senior OK Movement Strategist said: "Atiku has taken control of the ADC. It is no longer a viable platform for the OK project."

Alternative Platforms Under Consideration

Investigations by PRNigeria indicate that key figures within the Obi–Kwankwaso bloc are weighing multiple options, including the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)—recently joined by Dr. Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s 2023 running mate—and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a platform being promoted by former Bayelsa State Governor Senator Henry Seriake Dickson.

Political insiders say the consultations are driven by a desire to avoid internal disputes and secure a platform capable of supporting a broad-based coalition.

“Multiple opposition platforms — including the PRP and NDC — have initiated contact with both Obi and Kwankwaso.

"The goal is to build a united front early enough, rather than be entangled in protracted legal or structural crises close to the elections,” another source said.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports suggest that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in 2023, may be considering a move to the NDC.

According to sources cited by Politics Digest, Kwankwaso is expected to convene a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, a development widely interpreted as a decisive step toward formalising his next political direction.

The report indicated that Kwankwaso recently hosted a delegation of NDC leaders in Abuja, including the party’s National Vice Chairman (North-West), Mohammed Bakin, who reportedly urged him to join the party ahead of 2027.

However, the spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Habibu Mohammed, confirmed ongoing consultations but cautioned that no final decision has been reached.

“It is true that they have met him, but discussions are still ongoing,” he said, noting that other platforms, including the PRP, have also opened talks with the former governor.

Coalition Momentum Builds

Momentum for a possible Obi–Kwankwaso alliance has grown in recent weeks, particularly following the emergence of the “OK Movement,” which seeks to mobilise grassroots and elite support for a joint ticket.

Campaign-style materials circulating on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), have amplified calls for both leaders to align under a common platform, with some urging them to “come home” to emerging opposition structures like the NDC.

Analysts say such a coalition, if realised, could significantly alter Nigeria’s political equation, especially given the electoral performances of both figures in 2023.

Broader Opposition Calculus

Political observers argue that the unfolding developments reflect deeper structural challenges within opposition parties, including leadership disputes, ideological fragmentation, and the absence of a unified national platform.

“The opposition is essentially in a race against time to consolidate before the ruling party fully stabilises its own structures,” a political analyst told PRNigeria.

The analyst added that early coalition-building could determine the competitiveness of the opposition in 2027, particularly in navigating legal hurdles, electoral timelines, and voter mobilisation.

What Lies Ahead

As consultations intensify across multiple fronts, attention is now focused on the outcome of ongoing meetings within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the broader Obi support base.

While no formal defections have been confirmed, insiders say the coming weeks could prove decisive in shaping alliances, party alignments, and the broader trajectory of Nigeria’s opposition politics.

For now, the combination of legal uncertainty within the ADC and the growing push for coalition politics appears to be driving a new phase of strategic repositioning—one that could redefine the contours of the 2027 general elections. (By PRNigeria)

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