A surprising twist has emerged in Nigerian politics, with speculation swirling about a potential partnership between Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for a joint presidential bid in 2027.
These rumors gained traction following a post by @PIDOMNigeria, a social media account known for supporting Peter Obi and offering credible political insights.
According to the post, undisclosed power brokers are considering this alliance as a strategic move to challenge the current administration.
It was suggested that Obi’s extensive popularity and political influence in the South-East (SE), South-West (SW), South-South (SS), and certain North Central states necessitate a strong figure to introduce and strengthen his candidacy in the core Northern states, represented by the acronym KKK (Kano, Kaduna, Katsina).
The proposed alliance is based on several factors, including the need for a prominent Muslim figure with significant political sway to endorse Obi in the Northern regions, someone capable of addressing regional trust issues, and a candidate positioned to succeed Obi with assured political support.
Nasir El-Rufai is seen as an ideal candidate for this role, potentially serving as a vice-presidential candidate under a yet-to-be-disclosed political party.
The final decision hinges on the acceptance or rejection of this proposal by both individuals.
However, the rumored alliance has sparked mixed reactions among Peter Obi’s devoted followers, known as Obidients.
Some express concerns that partnering with El-Rufai could jeopardize Obi’s support in the SE and SS regions, potentially benefiting the current administration.
Others view the potential partnership with skepticism, citing El-Rufai’s controversial political track record, particularly in the Middle Belt.
