A new political pressure group, the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement, has emerged as supporters of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso intensify mobilisation ahead of the presidential primaries of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group announced its formation in Abuja on Monday, stating that it has established structures across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with coordinators already appointed to drive nationwide mobilisation.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Justin Ijeh, the movement described itself as a coalition drawing strength from the Obidient Movement, Kwankwasiyya political network, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the ADC.
According to the group, the initiative represents a coordinated attempt to unify reform-minded political blocs ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 presidential race.
“This is more than a political milestone; it is the birth of a coordinated, nationwide engine for systemic reform and national rebirth,” Ijeh said, adding that the movement seeks to challenge what it described as economic hardship, insecurity, and political division in the country.
He said the movement rejects tribal, regional, and religious politics, insisting that it is building a broad-based platform for national renewal.
The group also confirmed that state chapters would soon be inaugurated across the federation, calling on Nigerians to join what it described as a “home for all well-meaning citizens.”
The emergence of the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement reflects growing political alignment between the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya blocs, both of which gained strong grassroots traction during the 2023 elections and have remained influential in opposition politics.
Reacting to the development, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, confirmed that the group was working in alignment with existing Obi support structures toward a possible joint political arrangement under the ADC.
He dismissed claims of division, stating that multiple affiliated groups were working toward a common objective.
The new coalition comes amid rising tension within the ADC over internal competition for its presidential ticket. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has declared his intention to contest the party’s primary, insisting he would not step down for any aspirant, a position that has unsettled other political blocs within the opposition alliance.
Other figures reportedly eyeing the ADC ticket include Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
The ADC, currently led by former Senate President David Mark, has also attracted other prominent political actors including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party has distanced itself from viral social media posts urging Obi and Kwankwaso to return to its platform, describing them as fake and not authorised by its leadership under Interim National Chairman Nenadi Usman.
As opposition realignments continue, analysts say the ADC primaries could become a decisive battleground shaping Nigeria’s 2027 presidential contest.
