Political analyst and policy strategist, Baba Yusuf, has shared his thoughts on the possible chances of a joint presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Friday, Yusuf explained that although both politicians may attract millions of supporters nationwide, the alliance could still face constitutional and political challenges required to win a presidential election in Nigeria. According to him, electoral victory in Nigeria is not only about securing a large number of votes. He stressed that candidates must also achieve the required geographical spread across different regions of the country, particularly the North and the South, to satisfy constitutional provisions. His comments followed the recent political development involving Obi and Kwankwaso, who reportedly exited the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and aligned with the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC. Reports indicated that internal party disagreements and legal disputes contributed to their departure from the ADC. While analysing the political landscape, Yusuf noted that both leaders still possess strong political influence and public support. He stated that a significant number of Nigerians who did not participate in the 2023 election may become active voters in 2027, which could increase the voting strength of emerging political alliances. However, he argued that popularity alone may not be enough to guarantee success at the presidential level. He explained that the Nigerian electoral system requires broader national acceptance and strategic alliances capable of producing balanced support across multiple states and regions. Yusuf further emphasised the importance of political consultations, coalition-building, and negotiations among opposition leaders. In his opinion, successful political movements are usually built through cooperation rather than individual ambition. He suggested that experienced political figures such as Atiku Abubakar could play a significant role in discussions surrounding power-sharing arrangements and opposition unity ahead of the 2027 election cycle. According to Yusuf, political leaders seeking to challenge established structures must focus on unity, compromise, and inclusive decision-making. He warned that any political movement driven by personal interest or a “stand-alone” mentality may struggle to achieve the level of national consensus needed to win a presidential contest in Nigeria. The discussion surrounding a possible Obi–Kwankwaso alliance has continued to generate reactions among political observers, supporters, and stakeholders across the country. Many analysts believe that coalition politics may become one of the defining factors leading into the 2027 general elections. Political observers also argue that voter mobilisation, youth participation, economic concerns, and regional balancing are likely to shape electoral outcomes in the coming years. With political realignments already taking place, attention remains focused on how opposition figures will position themselves ahead of the next presidential race. For now, debates about possible alliances, negotiations, and coalition strategies continue to dominate Nigeria’s political atmosphere as parties and political actors prepare for what could become one of the country’s most competitive elections in recent history.
Key Political Figures Oppose Rivers State Emergency Declaration In a major political development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have initiated a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 elections. This was confirmed by Atiku during a press conference in Abuja, where he addressed political stakeholders from across the nation. When questioned about the intention behind the gathering, Atiku affirmed that the coalition’s objective is to remove Tinubu from office in the next election cycle. Political Leaders Condemn Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration in Rivers State Atiku, along with other coalition members, has urged Nigerians, particularly members of the National Assembly, to reject Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it unconstitutional. According to Atiku: “President Tinubu’s proclamation on March 18, 2025, suspending the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly, is an outright violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and an attempt to impose autocratic control.” He further stated that Tinubu’s decision undermines democracy and called on Nigerians to resist what he described as an unconstitutional move. Unlawful Dismissal of Elected Officials Atiku highlighted constitutional breaches, stating that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to remove an elected Governor, Deputy Governor, or the State House of Assembly under any circumstances. He referenced Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which explicitly outlines the legal procedure for removing a Governor through impeachment by the State House of Assembly. Additionally, Atiku condemned the misuse of Section 305, which allows the declaration of a state of emergency only under extreme national security threats. He asserted that Tinubu’s justification for the emergency rule in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional requirements. Judiciary and National Assembly Must Intervene The coalition is calling for immediate action from the judiciary and the National Assembly to overturn Tinubu’s directive. Atiku stressed that any declaration of emergency must be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers. If such approval is not obtained, the proclamation automatically loses its validity. “There is no war or crisis in Rivers State to warrant such an extreme measure. Instead of allowing due legal processes to resolve political disputes, the federal government is exploiting the situation for political gain,” he added. Manufactured Crisis for Political Control The coalition alleges that the crisis in Rivers State is a deliberate political maneuver designed to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku pointed out that similar security challenges in the past did not result in the removal of elected officials. “Even at the peak of insurgency in the North-East, the then-government did not remove governors but provided security solutions. The Rivers State issue is being exploited to serve Tinubu’s interests,” Atiku noted. Call to Action The coalition demands the immediate reinstatement of the elected Rivers State government and urges lawmakers to reject the unconstitutional action. Additionally, Atiku called on civil society organizations, political stakeholders, and citizens to defend Nigeria’s democracy against executive overreach. Historical Context: Niger Delta Unrest Atiku cautioned against political instability in the Niger Delta, a region historically fraught with conflict. He emphasized that previous administrations worked tirelessly to stabilize the area, warning that Tinubu’s actions could reignite tensions and disrupt national economic stability. Political Heavyweights Join the Movement Other key opposition figures present at the press conference included Yunusa Tanko representing Peter Obi, former SGF Babachir Lawal, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties. Apologies were sent by notable figures such as former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi, and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Declares Readiness to Work with Peter Obi for Stronger Opposition Politics Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has affirmed his readiness to collaborate with Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, to bolster Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Speaking after a private meeting with Obi at the Bauchi Government House, Mohammed expressed admiration for Obi’s political ideology, describing him as a visionary leader with a profound understanding of governance and economic matters. Bala Mohammed Commends Peter Obi’s Political Vision “We deeply respect and admire Peter Obi for his statesmanship, political philosophy, and economic insights. His vision for governance and national unity is commendable. Listening to him is always enlightening due to his mastery of statistics and policy analysis,” Mohammed stated. The Bauchi governor further acknowledged Obi’s pivotal role in opposition politics, emphasizing their discussion on critical national issues, including political opposition strategies and the current crisis in Rivers State. Strengthening Opposition for Good Governance Governor Mohammed reiterated his commitment to strengthening opposition politics by aligning forces with Obi. He stressed the need for strategic political alliances to challenge governance inefficiencies and present a viable alternative to the ruling party. “I want to state clearly that I am ready to work with Peter Obi. It is time for opposition parties to close ranks, offer strong leadership, and present a clear vision to rescue Nigeria from incompetence. Our collaboration is crucial for a better political future,” Mohammed declared. He further noted that several governors support the idea of a robust opposition, signaling a potential coalition for the next electoral cycle. Peter Obi Advocates Tackling Poverty to Curb Crime On his part, Peter Obi emphasized the importance of economic reforms to address insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. He argued that poverty is the root cause of criminal activities and that economic empowerment through education and agriculture is essential to reducing crime rates. “When discussing insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the North, the real issue is poverty. Addressing poverty is fundamental to solving criminality,” Obi asserted. He further stressed the need for substantial investment in education and agriculture to uplift millions of Nigerians from poverty and foster national development. Conclusion The meeting between Bala Mohammed and Peter Obi signals a growing movement toward a united opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. Their discussions centered on good governance, economic transformation, and strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria. Read more about Nigeria’s opposition politics READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
