Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has said that a joint presidential ticket involving Labour Party’s Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso represents the opposition’s strongest chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. (vanguardngr.com)
Speaking during an interview, Lawal argued that opposition parties must put aside individual ambitions and unite behind a single presidential candidate if they hope to unseat the APC in 2027. According to him, a divided opposition would only increase the ruling party’s chances of retaining power.
He maintained that both Obi and Kwankwaso command significant political support across different regions of the country and that combining their electoral strengths could produce a formidable alliance capable of mounting a serious national challenge. Lawal, however, stressed that the choice of who emerges as presidential candidate and running mate should be determined through negotiations and consensus among opposition leaders rather than personal interests. (vanguardngr.com)
The former SGF also criticised the current administration over the country’s economic situation and rising hardship, arguing that many Nigerians are looking for an alternative political platform ahead of the next general election. He urged opposition parties to seize the opportunity by presenting a united front and a credible programme capable of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges. (vanguardngr.com)
Speculation over possible opposition alliances has intensified in recent months as political consultations continue ahead of the 2027 elections. While neither Peter Obi nor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has formally announced a joint ticket, discussions about coalition-building remain central to debates on Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Political analysts note that any successful opposition coalition would require broad national support, internal cohesion and agreement on leadership, policy direction and power-sharing arrangements if it is to pose a serious challenge to the APC in the next presidential election.
