The ruling All Progressives Congress has formally rejected assertions made by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, who suggested that a joint presidential ticket featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the Nigeria Democratic Congress would outmatch other candidates in the 2027 election. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka stated that the party found Lawal’s comments unworthy of a formal rebuttal.
In an interview, Lawal argued that both candidates would struggle if they campaigned individually, but their union would create a formidable force. Lawal, who previously served as a close ally to President Bola Tinubu, also offered harsh criticism of the current administration, accusing it of failing to meet public expectations and suggesting the President has lost his way. Lawal further detailed his role in the 2015 merger of political parties, claiming Tinubu played a pivotal role by funding the campaign and deferring his own ambitions to ensure the opposition unseated the Peoples Democratic Party.
Representatives from the Kwankwasiyya Movement defended the potential alliance, labeling it the greatest concern for the APC. Spokesman Habeeb Saleh noted that constant criticism from government figures proves the ruling party feels threatened by the growing appeal of the pair. Meanwhile, Akin Osuntokun, a former advisor to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, alleged that Obasanjo is actively supporting the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, viewing it as a more realistic and impactful option for the nation.
Peter Obi himself addressed the ongoing political discourse, emphasizing his commitment to a single four-year term if elected. He argued that the current leadership lacks the necessary capacity to resolve national issues and called on President Tinubu to step down. Obi reiterated his plan to prioritize security, education, and poverty eradication as the cornerstones of his administration, asserting that he would serve as a hands-on leader dedicated to shifting the country’s trajectory.
