Strategists within the African Democratic Congress have intensified consultations over a possible Peter Obi–Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, Politics Digest reports.
Party and political sources said the talks were influenced by both domestic political calculations and recent international developments, particularly comments by former United States President Donald Trump on Nigeria.
Trump had alleged that Christians were being persecuted in Nigeria, claims that have been rejected by several local groups. The Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, among others, described the comments as inaccurate and capable of heightening tensions.
Despite the rebuttals, sources said some political actors were concerned about the potential implications of such rhetoric on Nigeria’s international image and internal politics.
According to the sources, some ADC strategists believe that international opinion, especially in the United States, may increasingly favour a religiously balanced presidential ticket rather than a same-faith combination.
“One of the key issues under discussion is how acceptable a balanced ticket would be in the current global climate,” a source familiar with the consultations said.
The source added that recent actions by the U.S. government, including Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act and visa restrictions on some Nigerians, had heightened political calculations.
It was also gathered that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been engaging stakeholders across party lines and civil society in consultations aimed at building what was described as a broad-based and stabilising political alliance.
Another source said Obasanjo believes that a balanced ticket could help promote national unity and democratic stability.
Under the arrangement being discussed, Obi, a former Anambra State governor and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, is seen by supporters as having nationwide appeal, while Kwankwaso, a former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, is regarded as influential in the North-West and parts of the North-Central.
Although the ADC has yet to adopt an official position, the party is increasingly being considered by opposition figures dissatisfied with the ruling All Progressives Congress and internal divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party.
Sources said other aspirants, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, remain in contention as consultations continue.
Efforts to get reactions from aides of Obi and Kwankwaso were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
