NDC makes overtures to Obi and Kwankwaso with offer of presidential nomination as primary cutoff looms

Ahead of the 2027 general and Presidential elections, the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, is reportedly making overtures to enlist the support of two prominent opposition figures, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in a potential joint presidential bid.

n

Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, are the targets of the NDC's recruitment efforts, with the party signaling a limited window for them to join its platform before the primary deadline.

n

In a social media post on X, the NDC shared a photo of Obi and Kwankwaso shaking hands, accompanied by the caption "Nigeria will be OK" and the message "All we need right now, just all we need, 2 weeks to the deadline", fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes coalition talks.

n

The post has intensified rumors of opposition actors repositioning ahead of the highly competitive 2027 election cycle, with supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso driving a growing mobilisation effort known as the "OK Movement", which advocates for a strategic partnership between the two politicians.

n

The "OK Movement" is reportedly gaining momentum across states and regions, expanding its reach and adding to discussions about a possible opposition merger, as the 2027 elections draw near.

n

The NDC was invited to the Ibadan Summit, where opposition parties met to discuss fielding a single candidate against President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid, but the party was unable to attend due to short notice, despite its flags being displayed at the venue.

n

According to the National Secretary of the NDC, Ikenna Morgan, the party's social media presence is being mimicked by numerous unverified handles, which can lead to misinformation and confusion about the party's official stance and communications.

n

Morgan clarified that the party's official social media handles are verified, and any statements or posts from unverified accounts should not be considered as emanating from the NDC, citing a previous instance where Sahara Reporters published a story based on an unverified Twitter handle.

n

Morgan reiterated that if a social media account is not verified, it does not represent the NDC, and he advised checking the official handles to confirm the authenticity of any information or statements attributed to the party.