Speculation over a potential political merger between Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election is facing skepticism. The doubts emerged after Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election, declared his intention to win the 2027 presidential election on his own.
Kwankwaso made this statement during the inauguration of his party’s secretariat in Katsina State. He boldly claimed that his party is well-prepared to take over the presidency, states, and other political positions in the country, thereby dismissing the relevance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and underplaying the possibility of a merger. “The PDP is already dead, and we left it because it lost its way,” Kwankwaso remarked during his speech.
While PDP leaders, including Deputy National Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi, have confirmed ongoing discussions between opposition leaders for a possible merger, the latest comments from Kwankwaso indicate a divergence in priorities. Abdullahi had earlier stated that opposition figures, including Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso, were considering an alliance to present a united front against the APC in 2027.
Despite these talks, the relationship between the three political heavyweights remains uncertain. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, has also expressed caution in aligning with other political figures. Obi has stated he is more concerned with ensuring Nigeria works rather than personal ambition, signaling that any alliance would need to be based on a shared vision for the country’s future rather than mere political opportunism.
The potential challenges of merging the three parties have been acknowledged by key political figures like Barr. Ray Nnaji, a PDP chieftain, who indicated that Kwankwaso’s relationship with President Tinubu might hinder any realignment with Atiku and Obi. Nnaji explained that Kwankwaso may demand to be the presidential candidate in any merger, complicating negotiations.
While discussions are ongoing, as noted by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, former spokesperson for Obi’s presidential campaign, the political future remains fluid, with no concrete decisions yet made. Kwankwaso’s firm stance could signal a reluctance to compromise, further casting doubts on the success of any merger.
