The political realignment between former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has continued to spark discussion throughout Northern Nigeria as concerns about how the region’s voters will react to their alleged entry into the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) grow.
Party leaders are characterising the move as a step toward creating a unified opposition platform, but opinions in the North are still mixed on whether the coalition will increase or decrease its popularity in the area.
Recall that Kwankwaso and Peter Obi formally joined the NDC in Abuja on Sunday.
Speaking during the ceremony, Kwankwaso stated that extensive conversations with NDC stakeholders led to their choice and that they found significant ideological consensus.
Obi also stated that the party’s goals were to restore Nigeria and re-establish trust in the government.
Additionally, keep in mind that both political figures left the ADC and joined the NDC, citing internal conflicts as the cause.
They are pushing their luck too far, one bloc may strike deal with APC – Mahdi Shehu
Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs analyst, has condemned Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s recent political actions and cautioned that their defection to the NDC might not result in an electoral victory against the APC.
Shehu stated in an interview with newsmen that the two opposition politicians’ frequent switching between political platforms raises the possibility that they are exaggerating their political power.
He further contended that the political circumstances that influenced the 2023 elections have evolved and cautioned against depending solely on previous results.
According to Shehu, the ongoing realignments appear aimed more at gaining political relevance and bargaining power than at building a strong, united opposition capable of winning elections.
He said, “Obi and Kwankwaso’s monthly pilgrimage and migration from one unregistered club, up to another association in turmoil. Then to another non-existing platform seems to be overrating their popularity.”
Shehu also claims that rather than creating a powerful, cohesive opposition that can win elections, the current realignments may be more about obtaining political relevance and bargaining strength.
Mixed reactions in North
In-depth interviews with locals revealed a range of responses. While some people think that Kwankwaso and Obi’s departure is a good move that could put the APC to the test, others however disagree.
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