The emerging political alliance between former Labour Party’s leader, Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is reportedly facing stiff resistance in parts of Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to a report by Punch Newspaper, several northern political stakeholders and interest groups have expressed reservations over the proposed coalition, citing concerns over regional interests, trust and political calculations ahead of the next general election.
Reports indicated that campaign materials promoting the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance generated mixed reactions across some northern states, while posters linked to the coalition were reportedly torn down by youths in parts of Kano State earlier this week.
Punch Newspaper further reported that the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) stated that the proposed political platform behind the alliance is yet to gain significant grassroots acceptance across the North. The group also argued that many northern voters remain unfamiliar with the movement and its agenda.
Similarly, the Arewa Youth Consultative Council reportedly claimed that a section of northerners still harbours doubts over Obi’s political acceptance in the region despite Kwankwaso’s influence, particularly in the North-West.
Despite the resistance, supporters of the alliance insist that the coalition is steadily gaining support across the country. They argued that the North is no longer politically united behind a single bloc, creating opportunities for new political alignments ahead of 2027.
Political analysts believe the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance forms part of broader opposition efforts aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the next presidential election. However, experts warned that the coalition may face significant hurdles in overcoming ethnic, religious and regional political sentiments before the campaigns fully commence.
Source: Punch Newspaper.