National News – A fresh power struggle is unfolding within Nigeria’s opposition politics as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso intensify efforts to secure northern backing ahead of the 2027 presidential race, positioning themselves against Atiku Abubakar within the African Democratic Congress.
Their strategy, built around a proposed one-term presidency for Obi, is aimed at persuading northern stakeholders to support a southern candidate in the spirit of rotational balance.
The consultations, which gained momentum in April 2026 across northern Nigeria, involve meetings with political leaders, traditional rulers, and influential blocs.
Insiders say the move is designed to weaken Atiku’s longstanding dominance in the region while creating a pathway for Kwankwaso’s potential presidential ambition in 2031.
The duo’s camp argues that fairness demands the South completes an eight-year cycle following President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
However, resistance remains strong. Atiku’s allies insist he retains deep-rooted support within party structures and among northern elites, making him difficult to displace.
They also question the credibility of a one-term pledge, warning that political agreements in Nigeria are often fluid and difficult to enforce.
Beyond party maneuvering, the development highlights a broader recalibration within opposition ranks.
With the ADC grappling with internal disputes and awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on its leadership crisis, aspirants are racing to build alliances before formal primaries begin.
The emerging contest reflects not just personal ambitions but competing visions of zoning, equity, and political trust.
Reactions among political observers in Abuja and Lagos are mixed.
Some view the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as a pragmatic attempt to bridge regional divides, while others dismiss it as a tactical gamble unlikely to withstand entrenched interests.
For many Nigerians, the real question is not just who wins the ticket, but whether such elite negotiations translate into governance outcomes that address economic hardship and insecurity.
Ultimately, the unfolding battle within the ADC could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of 2027, determining whether unity or fragmentation defines the challenge to the ruling party.
