According to a report by Vanguard, on Saturday May 16, 2026, former presidential adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr Akin Osuntokun, has stated that the possible entry of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar into the 2027 presidential race could weaken the chances of a potential Obi/Kwankwaso ticket under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Osuntokun stated that the proposed arrangement, which may feature former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, could support national integration and improve Nigeria’s political development, however, he noted that it does not automatically guarantee electoral victory.
He explained that Kwankwaso is a strong political figure in the North and could help mobilise northern voters for the ticket, according to him, the strength of the joint ticket depends largely on northern political alignment.
Osuntokun warned that Atiku remains a major factor in northern politics, he described him as a key contender who has already positioned himself as a leading northern candidate for 2027, he said this makes the race more complex.
He further stated that the North may struggle to fully support both Atiku and Kwankwaso at the same time, in his view, this could split political loyalty and reduce the effectiveness of any alliance involving Kwankwaso.
According to him, if Atiku eventually emerges as the dominant northern candidate, it would reduce Kwankwaso’s influence and weaken the expected northern support base of an Obi/Kwankwaso ticket.
“If Atiku eventually emerges as the northern candidate, it diminishes the utility of Kwankwaso and significantly weakens the chances of an Obi/Kwankwaso ticket winning the election,” he said….See More
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