Supporters of former Peter Obi and ex-Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have agreed to work toward a consensus presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that opposition unity remains crucial to defeating the ruling party.
The resolution was reached on Saturday during the Nigeria Democratic Congress Aspirants’ Summit held in Abuja, where members of the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements pledged to mobilise support and resources for a joint presidential ticket.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, disclosed that supporters planned to raise ₦60 million to purchase a joint presidential nomination form for Obi and Kwankwaso.
Tanko described the move as a reflection of growing grassroots belief that a united opposition front would strengthen electoral chances and broaden voter mobilisation across the country.
He said the collaboration was driven by public demand for credible leadership and a viable alternative to the current political establishment.
Speaking on behalf of Obi, former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Peter Ameh, urged aspirants to embrace integrity, sacrifice and people-oriented leadership.
“Nigeria does not need more politicians; it needs statesmen and women who will prioritise the public over personal gain and greed,” Ameh said.
He also warned against violence, vote-buying and electoral manipulation, stressing that leadership must begin with integrity in the pursuit of power.
“The world is watching, and Nigerians are watching,” he added.
Ameh further criticised post-election defections, describing them as betrayals of public trust that undermine democratic values and voter confidence.
Representing Kwankwaso, the Coordinator of the Kwankwaso National Network, Moshood Shittu, said Nigeria’s problems stem largely from the absence of sincere and committed leadership.
“One day, the people will come together and say enough is enough. The resilience of grassroots supporters demands change,” he stated.
Shittu argued that Nigeria’s challenge was not a lack of resources but the inability of leaders to prioritise national interest above personal ambition.
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Also speaking, the National Secretary of the NDC, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured aspirants of a transparent and credible primary process ahead of the 2027 elections.
He dismissed allegations of a predetermined candidate list, insisting that all aspirants who purchased nomination forms would participate through either consensus arrangements or party primaries.
Enekweizu announced concessions on nomination fees for women, youths and persons with disabilities as part of efforts to encourage broader participation in the political process.
Meanwhile, NDC chieftain Buba Galadima warned against the dangers of direct primaries, arguing that the Electoral Act’s framework could create tension and internal crises within opposition parties.
Recalling the violent 2011 direct primaries in Kano, Galadima said the process resulted in deaths, injuries and prolonged legal battles.
He urged political parties to prioritise consensus arrangements after proper consultations in order to preserve unity and avoid litigation ahead of the elections.