Political Tension Soars As Obi-Kwankwaso Pact Splits Northern Leaders Ahead Of 2027

The presidential bid of Peter Obi, candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), is attracting mixed reactions across Northern Nigeria, with some political stakeholders expressing reservations while party supporters insist the movement is gaining traction throughout the region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Several stakeholders who spoke on the development argued that the NDC is yet to establish a strong presence and widespread recognition in many northern states.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Tukur Muhammad-Baba, maintained that the party remains relatively unfamiliar to a large segment of northern voters.

According to him, although key figures within the party continue to generate public attention, their actual electoral strength remains uncertain.

“The issue is not necessarily about dislike for the NDC; rather, the party has not yet achieved sufficient visibility among the electorate,” he said.

Muhammad-Baba also questioned the extent of support enjoyed by Obi’s running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, beyond his traditional stronghold in Kano State.

He noted that while Kwankwaso recorded impressive results in Kano during the last election, his influence across other parts of the North remains open to debate.

He further argued that many northerners have become increasingly skeptical of political narratives centered on regional or religious considerations, stressing that voters now seek practical solutions to pressing national challenges.

According to him, both political elites and ordinary citizens are paying closer attention to the records, statements, and consistency of opposition figures before making electoral decisions.

Similarly, President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Council (AYCC), Zaid Ayuba, said Obi’s candidacy continues to face resistance among sections of the northern electorate.

He argued that perceptions surrounding Obi’s positions on certain national issues have contributed to concerns among some voters, adding that political popularity does not automatically translate into electoral success.

A political science professor based in Sokoto, who preferred anonymity, also observed that the NDC is still developing its organisational structures in several northern states.

According to him, the party has yet to build the extensive networks and grassroots machinery currently enjoyed by established parties such as the APC, PDP, and ADC.

Meanwhile, the Northern Youth Assembly criticised Kwankwaso’s alliance with Obi, accusing the former Kano governor of departing from what it described as the traditional political interests and values of Northern Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Hafiz Garba, the group argued that the partnership does not align with the ideals historically associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement.

Despite the criticism, NDC officials and supporters dismissed claims that the party lacks support in the region.

The NDC Chairman in Borno State, Haruna Amuda, said the party has witnessed a surge in membership and defections from rival political parties.

“We are currently experiencing significant defections into the party,” he stated.

In Jigawa State, party leader Abdulrazak Birnin-Kudu revealed that coordinators had been appointed across all local government areas as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots mobilisation.

He maintained that the party’s growing appeal among young people reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the existing political order.

The party’s governorship candidate in Jigawa, Aminu Dutse, also attributed growing interest in the NDC to increasing concerns over insecurity and economic hardship.

According to him, although the party is relatively new, it has already positioned candidates for all elective offices ahead of the 2027 elections.

Also speaking, the Northern Region Director of the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), Steve Aluko-Daniel, rejected suggestions that the NDC lacks acceptance in the North.

He argued that many voters are attracted to the Obi-Kwankwaso combination, describing it as a strong political force capable of reshaping the country’s political landscape.

“For the first time, the North is no longer moving as a single political bloc. Voters are now freely aligning with parties of their choice, and the NDC is benefiting from that shift,” he said.

Aluko-Daniel added that the growing popularity of both Obi and Kwankwaso could significantly boost the party’s fortunes if credible elections are conducted.

Similarly, National Co-Chairman of the NDC Coalition Alliance Network, Zakari Garba, described the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership as one of the most formidable political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said Obi’s reputation for accountability, economic management, and prudent leadership, combined with Kwankwaso’s strong grassroots influence in the North, makes the alliance a compelling option for Nigerians seeking change.

According to Garba, the duo represents competence, credibility, national unity, and the capacity to address Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges while restoring public confidence in leadership.