2027: Why Northern Leaders ‘Chose’ Peter Obi — Kwankwaso

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has explained why northern political leaders ‘settled’ for former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as their preferred figure in a new political alignment for the 2027 presidential contest, while also detailing the emergence of a joint political movement known as the ‘OK’ Alliance.

Speaking on Arise News Channel on Monday night, Kwankwaso said consultations with key leaders in the North were aimed at identifying a capable candidate, a process that ultimately placed Obi at the forefront.

“I met with our leadership in the North to look for someone who is capable, and at the end of the day, we realised that Peter Obi was at the forefront of it. That’s why we all accepted to work together,” he said.

He disclosed that the collaboration between his Kwankwasiyya Movement and Obi’s Obidient bloc had already taken shape before any public announcement, stressing that both groups were aligned in principle and strategy.

“We are together even before we said anything, and because we are working together, we created what we call ‘OK’,” Kwankwaso said.

According to him, the ‘OK’ alliance reflects a symbolic blend of both political blocs, evolving from interactions between supporters across the divide.

“Initially, before we were told of the zoning of the party, some from the Obidient will say OK, and some from Kwankwasiyya will say KO, but at the end of the day, we’re working not only in this country but all over the world, so I don’t think we have any problem,” he added.

Kwankwaso further provided context on the political realignment, noting that early coalition efforts involving both camps were initially explored within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), before a strategic shift to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

He said the move was driven by the need to consolidate a broader, more cohesive platform capable of accommodating diverse interests and strengthening opposition coordination.

The former governor also addressed concerns about possible friction between the two support bases, insisting that both groups have remained disciplined.

“But I can assure you, our group is so disciplined, you can’t hear any serious negative issues from their side. I believe Obidients are the same,” he said.

Kwankwaso added that the new alliance was not limited to Nigeria, noting that supporters across the diaspora were also aligning with the movement as efforts intensified to build a united political front.