The joint presidential ambition of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is encountering significant resistance from key northern political stakeholders and sections of the electorate.
Many northern leaders and groups have yet to embrace the NDC ticket, citing trust issues, the party’s limited structure across the region, and concerns over Obi’s perceived stance on certain national issues.
Some stakeholders are actively warning their followers against supporting the ticket, describing the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as not aligned with core northern interests.
A northern political leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Majority of northerners have not accepted the party. Obi and Kwankwaso are not embraced in the North in a way that suggests they can win the 2027 election.”
The President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Council, Zaid Ayuba, specifically pointed to Obi as a major obstacle, stating that many northerners do not trust him.
He also criticised Kwankwaso for what some see as inconsistent positions that have alienated parts of the traditional northern political base.
The Arewa Consultative Forum and other influential groups have equally expressed reservations, highlighting the NDC’s weak presence outside Kano State and voter fatigue with frequent party-switching by the two politicians.
Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC in May 2026 after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The party subsequently named Obi as its presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as his running mate.
Despite the challenges, some NDC officials in states like Borno and Jigawa claim they are recording growing support, attributing it to widespread dissatisfaction with the current economic situation.
They believe youth frustration could still create momentum at the grassroots level.The North, which accounts for a substantial share of Nigeria’s voting population, is expected to play a decisive role in the 2027 presidential election.
Political observers note that overcoming the current resistance in the region remains a major hurdle for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
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