The proposed alliance between the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, for the 2027 presidential election has reached an advanced stage.

Findings by Sunday PUNCH revealed that both politicians have jointly set up a committee to actualise a joint presidential ticket on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

A senior official of the ADC disclosed that the Obi–Kwankwaso alliance was initiated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has reportedly thrown his weight behind the arrangement.

According to the party source, Obasanjo not only approved Obi’s defection to the ADC but also advised him to work with Kwankwaso to secure the party’s presidential and vice-presidential tickets ahead of the 2027 poll.

Obasanjo had openly campaigned for Obi during the 2023 presidential election, mobilising support for him across the country against the All Progressives Congress candidate, now President Bola Tinubu.

In an open letter dated January 1, 2023, the former president described Obi as having an edge over other contenders, citing his character, antecedents, discipline, understanding of governance and vitality.

Kwankwaso, who was appointed Minister of Defence by Obasanjo during his second term as president, is also said to enjoy the former leader’s confidence.

Meanwhile, Obasanjo has not concealed his disapproval of the renewed presidential ambition of his former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Currently, Atiku, Obi and a former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, are the leading presidential aspirants within the ADC, while efforts are ongoing to persuade Kwankwaso to formally join the party.

Before defecting to the ADC, Obi had reportedly pledged to serve a single term if elected president, after which Kwankwaso indicated his willingness to serve as vice-president.

Although Kwankwaso is yet to officially join the ADC, sources confirmed that the proposed alliance with Obi is already in motion and was largely brokered by Obasanjo.

A top ADC source said the former president has also been engaging northern political power brokers to ensure the success of the alliance.

“Former President Obasanjo is the one who connected Obi and Kwankwaso, and he is deeply committed to the alliance. He believes strongly in Obi and has been reaching out to northern leaders to support the arrangement,” the source said.