Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso are stepping up efforts to run on a joint presidential ticket under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as they quietly court northern political heavyweights ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources within the party say both men are pushing a one-term presidency arrangement as a way to win support in the North. The idea is simple: back a southern candidate now, allow him to serve a single term, and then rotate power back to the North. Insiders say this proposal is being used to draw support away from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who remains a strong contender within the party.
The consultations have intensified in recent weeks, with Kwankwaso’s camp reportedly meeting traditional rulers and influential northern figures, particularly those dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Their message, according to party insiders, is framed around fairness arguing that the South should be allowed to complete its eight-year turn in power.
Although the ADC is still dealing with internal leadership disputes and awaiting a Supreme Court ruling, that hasn’t slowed down political maneuvering. Aspirants continue to build alliances and test their support base ahead of the primaries.
Behind the scenes, both camps are said to be working on formalising Obi’s one-term pledge to make it more convincing to northern stakeholders.
Some supporters believe such a commitment could reassure the region and strengthen trust in the proposed arrangement.
Not everyone is convinced, though. Allies of Atiku acknowledge the Obi-Kwankwaso outreach but dismiss it as routine political strategy. One supporter noted that while consultations are ongoing across camps, the party could eventually see a convergence—or a contest depending on how negotiations unfold.
There are also suggestions that Kwankwaso’s long-term ambition may extend beyond 2027, with expectations in some quarters that he could position himself for a presidential run in 2031 if the one-term deal holds.
Within the party, tensions are building. Some southern aspirants are reportedly forming alliances with northern powerbrokers in a bid to counter Atiku’s influence, while others are working to split delegate votes ahead of the primaries.
Despite the growing competition, ADC officials insist that consultations and alliances are part of the political process. The party says it will aim for consensus but has not ruled out a full primary if an agreement proves impossible.
For now, the race remains fluid, with shifting loyalties, quiet negotiations, and no clear frontrunner just yet.
