President Peter Obi’s deputy-presidential choice for the 2027 general election cannot be Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, according to Bashir Ahmad, Special Adviser to Obi on Digital Communications. Ahmad made the clarification amid widespread speculation about possible alliances and running-mate arrangements that have dominated political conversations since talks began between opposition leaders.
In a public statement, Ahmad said the idea of pairing Obi with Kwankwaso a former governor of Kano State and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as a joint presidential ticket is not under consideration. He explained that constitutional constraints, party agreements and political realities make such a ticket impractical and infeasible for the 2027 elections.
“While we respect Senator Kwankwaso’s contributions and leadership, the suggestion that he should serve as running mate to Obi is not compatible with existing party frameworks,” Ahmad said. He went on to emphasise that alliances must obey constitutional limits and party eligibility requirements as outlined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant election laws.
Observers had speculated that a strategic partnership between Obi the former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and Kwankwaso could be a formidable opposition force, capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political balance. These conjectures intensified after Kwankwaso left the NNPP and engaged in broader consultations with other opposition figures, prompting discussions of potential cross-party cooperation.
However, Ahmad stressed that practical politics and legal frameworks including zoning arrangements and political party statutes will guide the selection of a deputy candidate for Obi’s campaign, not public conjecture. He said the campaign team remains focused on building a cohesive strategy that aligns with democratic principles and maximises broad voter appeal across Nigeria’s diverse electorate.
Analysts say such clarifications reflect the complex negotiations occurring among opposition parties and figures as they seek to present strong alternatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. While Obi’s political network continues to explore collaborative options that could broaden his support base, there is recognition that constitutional eligibility and strategic balance are key determinants in selecting a running mate.
In explaining why a Kwankwaso-Obi ticket is unlikely, Ahmad also acknowledged the importance of respect and open dialogue among leaders with shared goals, even as political dynamics evolve. He noted that individual leaders may still play important roles in shaping platforms, policies and grassroots mobilisation, even if they are not formally chosen as running mates.
The reaction to Ahmad’s statement has been mixed, with supporters of Kwankwaso expressing disappointment, while others argue that alliances can still be formed through inter-party understanding and shared policy agendas outside of formal ticket positions. Many political observers believe the broader opposition landscape will continue to shift in the run-up to 2027, as stakeholders refine strategies and alignments ahead of the polls.
Looking ahead, attention will remain on how the Labour Party and other opposition coalitions manage negotiations and candidate selection processes. With general elections drawing closer, clarity on running mates, alliance structures and campaign approaches will be essential in shaping voter perceptions and electoral strategies.
The debate over potential tickets underscores a broader conversation about representation, regional balance and political collaboration in Nigeria’s democratic system themes likely to feature prominently as the 2027 contest unfolds.
