2027: Obi-Kwankwaso Alliance Will Fail Again – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the proposed alliance between Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2027 presidential election, predicting that it will not succeed.

Speaking to The Punch on Monday, Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Publicity Director, expressed confidence that the alliance would fail just as it did before the 2023 elections. He pointed to a lack of trust and conflicting ambitions between the two opposition figures as the main obstacles to any lasting political partnership.

Ibrahim argued that neither Obi nor Kwankwaso would be willing to step down for the other in a presidential race, citing past failed attempts at collaboration between the two. He emphasized that APC remains unbothered by their moves, describing their efforts as “just rhetoric.”

“Kwankwaso and Peter Obi have tried forming an alliance in the past, but it fell apart because they are both determined to lead the country at all costs,” Ibrahim stated. “They are strange bedfellows who cannot coexist politically. There is no trust, and neither is willing to cede the leadership position.”

The potential alliance gained attention after Kwankwaso hinted at being open to running as Obi’s vice-presidential candidate in 2027, provided certain undisclosed conditions were met. The Labour Party welcomed Kwankwaso’s offer, with National Secretary Umar Farouk saying it could succeed if Kwankwaso was willing to work under Obi.

However, Ibrahim dismissed these talks, arguing that APC’s 2027 victory is inevitable. “The APC is not losing sleep over this. The factors that led to the collapse of their proposed alliance in 2023 still exist. Their efforts are nothing but the noise of a party headed for failure,” he added.

In contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shown support for the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance. Abdullahi Ibrahim, PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, called it a “welcome development,” suggesting that any move to unite opposition parties would benefit Nigerians.

“The PDP supports any discussions that could unite the opposition and help liberate Nigerians from the hardship caused by the APC,” Ibrahim stated. He emphasized the importance of unity among opposition parties, including the PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP, in the fight against the ruling APC.

Despite the contrasting opinions from political parties, the proposed alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso is set to shape discussions as the 2027 elections approach.