The recent political realignment involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has sparked widespread debate across Northern Nigeria, as uncertainty grows over how voters in the region will respond to their move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Although party leaders describe the development as a step toward building a stronger opposition, reactions across the North remain divided, with analysts and residents expressing mixed views on whether the alliance will boost or weaken its political appeal.
Both Obi and Kwankwaso officially joined the NDC in Abuja on Sunday, where they were presented with membership cards by the party’s national chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, marking their formal entry into the platform.
Speaking at the event, Kwankwaso said the decision followed extensive consultations with party stakeholders, adding that they found strong ideological alignment with the NDC.
Obi, on his part, stated that the party is focused on rebuilding Nigeria and restoring confidence in governance. He also urged members to avoid internal disputes and litigation, emphasizing unity within the party.
Their defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was largely attributed to ongoing internal crises within the party.
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“We need a safer platform” – Kwankwasiyya
The Kwankwasiyya movement has described the NDC as a more stable and reliable political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
In an interview with Metrotimesnigeria, the movement’s spokesperson, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, explained that their decision was driven by legal uncertainties and internal conflicts within the ADC.
He noted that multiple court cases and leadership disputes have made the party unstable, adding that with limited time before the elections, remaining in such an environment poses significant risks.
According to him, the movement is prioritizing a platform that is free from legal battles and internal crises, describing the NDC as a safer alternative despite being relatively new and still developing its leadership structure.
Mohammed also suggested that a joint ticket between Obi and Kwankwaso could promote national unity and would likely gain acceptance in the North, stressing that competence should matter more than regional considerations.
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APC may face pressure, but time is limited
While acknowledging concerns that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could attempt to destabilize emerging opposition platforms, Mohammed argued that time constraints may limit such actions.
He pointed out that with critical electoral deadlines approaching, including submission of membership lists, the ruling party may be more focused on its own internal processes.
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“They may be overestimating themselves” – Mahdi Shehu
Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu criticized the frequent political movements of Obi and Kwankwaso, warning that it may not translate into electoral success.
Speaking to Metrotimesnigeria, he argued that the two politicians might be overestimating their popularity and relying too heavily on past political dynamics.
According to him, the shifting alliances appear more like efforts to gain bargaining power rather than build a solid opposition capable of defeating the APC.
He warned that if opposition groups fail to unite, one faction could eventually align with the ruling party, weakening the overall opposition.
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Mixed reactions from Northern residents
Reactions from residents across Northern Nigeria reflect a divided opinion on the new alliance.
A Kano-based supporter, Lukman Shuaibu, expressed unwavering loyalty to Kwankwaso, stating that he would continue to follow him regardless of party affiliation, citing his grassroots-oriented leadership style.
Similarly, another resident, Naziru Dalhatu, described a potential Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as a symbol of national unity rather than regional politics. He argued that current economic hardships could push voters toward any credible alternative to the ruling government.
Dalhatu also claimed that the NDC is rapidly gaining popularity, with a surge in membership and possible defections from lawmakers in the near future.
However, a contrasting view came from a youth in Jigawa, Muhammad Rabiu Musa, who questioned the credibility of the alliance. He argued that the duo has yet to present a clear blueprint for governance and accused them of prioritizing personal ambition over public interest.
He further highlighted the role of religious and ethnic sentiments in Northern politics, warning that such factors could affect the acceptance of their ticket, particularly regarding regional and identity considerations.
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Overall, the emergence of the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance under the NDC has introduced a new dynamic into Nigeria’s political landscape, but its true impact—especially in the North—remains uncertain as debates continue to unfold.
