By Jude Opara
Supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have intensified coalition talks ahead of the 2027 general elections, unveiling a N60 million fundraising campaign to support a proposed joint presidential ticket.
The initiative was announced during the Aspirants’ Summit of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC ) held in Abuja, where members of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements pushed for a united opposition front capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027.
Organizers described the fundraising drive as a symbolic grassroots mobilization effort aimed at purchasing a joint presidential nomination form and demonstrating public support for opposition unity.
Obi and Kwankwaso contested the 2023 presidential election under the platforms of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party respectively.
Their supporters argued that the opposition’s fragmentation during the last election weakened its ability to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, said the coalition effort reflected growing public demand for a stronger opposition platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.
Although neither Obi nor Kwankwaso has formally declared interest in the 2027 presidential race, increasing collaboration between both camps has continued to fuel speculation over possible power-sharing arrangements and broader opposition realignments.
Representing Obi at the summit, former Inter-Party Advisory Council (AIPAC) chairman, Peter Ameh, urged aspirants seeking elective positions under the NDC to place competence, credibility and national interest above personal ambition.
Ameh also warned that coalitions built mainly around defections and political convenience without ideological direction could struggle to gain the trust of Nigerians.
He criticised the growing trend of post-election defections by politicians, arguing that such actions weaken democratic accountability and undermine voters’ confidence in party manifestos and programmes.
Also speaking, Coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Network, Moshood Shittu, blamed Nigeria’s current challenges on leadership failure, insisting that competent and honest leadership remained key to national progress.
