Why We’re Backing Obi for 2027 – Kwankwasiyya, Atiku Loyalists

Supporters of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and loyalists of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, have declared support for former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 presidential election, citing his leadership record, national appeal and commitment to development.

The endorsement was made on Friday in Abuja during a coalition meeting involving members of the Obidient Movement, the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups Initiative.

Leaders of the groups said their decision followed consultations and assessment of the political climate ahead of the next general election.

Speaking at the meeting, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habibu Muhammed, said the movement was convinced that Obi possesses the leadership qualities needed to move Nigeria forward.

According to him, the country requires leaders with proven track records rather than politicians driven by “trial and error.”

“In 2027, there is going to be a political revolution where ordinary Nigerians will determine their future and decide who should lead them. For us, the people we believe represent that vision are Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,” he said.

Muhammed praised Kwankwaso’s achievements in education and governance during his time as governor of Kano State, arguing that development-oriented leadership should remain central in determining Nigeria’s next president.

“Leadership is about competence and performance. Kwankwaso’s record in education, infrastructure and governance speaks for itself. We believe Peter Obi represents similar values of accountability, development and concern for the people,” he stated.

He added that the movement had resolved to support another region in the spirit of fairness, national unity and political balance.

“Everybody knows Kwankwaso contested for president, but we also understand the need to consider other regions in the interest of equity and justice. Beyond zoning, we must also look at character and competence, and that is why we believe Peter Obi is the kind of leader Nigeria needs,” Muhammed added.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Atiku Support Groups Initiative, Obinna Okorie, appealed to Atiku to back Obi’s ambition in 2027.

Okorie said members of the coalition reached the decision after studying the country’s political dynamics and evaluating Obi’s growing national acceptance.

“We have stood with Atiku since 2019 when he ran with Peter Obi. He remains our leader and we respect him deeply. But after reviewing the political situation in the country, we resolved to appeal to him to support Peter Obi in 2027,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria’s political environment and existing power-sharing considerations make Obi a strong contender for the presidency.

“If you understand Nigerian politics, you can already see where the wind is blowing. We also considered the issue of national balance and the kind of leadership Nigerians are yearning for. These are qualities we believe Peter Obi represents,” Okorie stated.

The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, described the gathering as evidence that opposition forces were becoming stronger despite attempts to sow division among them.

“Today’s meeting again demonstrates the strength of this coalition. Those who think the alliance has collapsed are mistaken because supporters of Atiku, Kwankwaso and Obi are all here working together,” he said.

“Those trying to divide us have failed. The country needs to be rescued and we can only achieve that through unity and teamwork.”

The development is expected to intensify political conversations ahead of the 2027 elections as opposition groups continue consultations aimed at building a broader coalition against the ruling party.