Lagos — Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is fully supporting the Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 presidential election and is the main sponsor of the alliance, according to Akin Osuntokun, his former Political Adviser.
Osuntokun made the declaration during an interview with Arise News on Sunday.
“President Olusegun Obasanjo is fully in support of the Peter Obi/Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket for the 2027 presidency,” Osuntokun stated. He further claimed that the former president “is the main sponsor” of the proposed joint ticket.
The revelation, if confirmed, signals a significant political realignment involving one of Nigeria’s most influential elder statesmen. Obasanjo, who has been vocal about the direction of the country since leaving office in 2007, has a history of playing a behind-the-scenes role in shaping political outcomes.
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State and 2023 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate, have been the subject of intense speculation regarding a possible alliance ahead of the next general elections. Both men performed strongly in the 2023 polls, particularly in urban centres and parts of northern Nigeria.
Osuntokun’s comments come as political activities and horse-trading ahead of 2027 continue to gather momentum across party lines. However, neither Obi nor Kwankwaso has publicly confirmed any formal alliance or ticket arrangement as of Sunday.
The former president’s camp has yet to issue an official response to Osuntokun’s claim. Obasanjo is known for issuing strong public letters and statements when he wishes to make his position clear on national issues.
Political analysts believe that an endorsement by Obasanjo could significantly influence voter sentiment, particularly among those disillusioned with the current administration, though his influence has sometimes proven polarising.
Further details on the structure of the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, including who would head the ticket, are still unclear. Both politicians maintain strong followings in different regions of the country — Obi in the Southeast and among urban youths, and Kwankwaso in parts of the Northwest.
This story is developing.
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