A recent assertion by Amb. Abdul Danbature, the leader of the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, has sparked significant friction regarding the political viability of Peter Obi in Northern Nigeria for the 2027 presidential election. Danbature claimed that Northern youth would reject the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate due to a lack of prior consultation, arguing that the region favors figures linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari. This narrative has faced intense scrutiny from political observers and the Obi-Kwankwaso movement.
Political analyst Abba Gwale argued that Obi remains a competitive figure, noting that his 2023 performance, particularly among Northern Christian youth, provides a solid foundation. Gwale emphasized that while the North is a decisive voting bloc, Obi’s success depends on his campaign’s adaptability and his choice of running mate. He noted that an alliance with Rabiu Kwankwaso could enhance the ticket’s influence in key states like Kano, Kaduna, and Jigawa, though he cautioned that electoral support is never guaranteed by endorsements alone.
Conversely, members of the Obi-Kwankwaso movement dismissed Danbature’s remarks as purely performative. Mallam Jabir, the coordinator for the FCT chapter, characterized the statement as irrational and aimed solely at political relevance. Similarly, Habeeb Mohammed Saleh, spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, questioned the legitimacy of any individual claiming to speak for the entire Northern youth population. Saleh argued that voters in the North are currently more focused on pressing issues like insecurity and economic hardship rather than outdated political gatekeeping. He further contended that using the legacy of the Buhari administration as a benchmark for support is unlikely to succeed, as many residents continue to feel the negative impact of that era.
