As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, political fault lines are deepening in the North over the proposed alliance between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The potential merger—rumored to be championed under the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—is stirring both excitement and skepticism across the region.
While some Northern voters see the Obi-Atiku coalition as a formidable force capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), others argue that the alliance lacks the widespread appeal and strategic cohesion required to truly threaten the incumbent. The absence of key political players like Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, whose Northern base remains influential, is further fueling doubts.
In cities like Kano, Kaduna, and Bauchi, political conversations are increasingly dominated by discussions of the proposed alliance. Grassroots mobilizers, civil society groups, and youth movements fed up with economic hardship, skyrocketing food prices, and insecurity see the coalition as a possible lifeline—a means to course-correct what many now see as the APC’s mismanagement of national resources and failure to deliver on campaign promises.
“I don’t care if it’s Obi or Atiku. What we need is rescue. We’re suffering,” said Abubakar Musa, a trader in Katsina. “If they come together, maybe, just maybe, there’s hope.”
However, others remain unconvinced. Some critics argue that Peter Obi’s support is largely rooted in Southern and youth-centric demographics, while Atiku’s influence, though broad, has waned after multiple failed presidential bids. “It’s not just about joining forces,” said Zainab Lawal, a political analyst in Kaduna. “Without ideological clarity and a clear message, this could end up as another elite arrangement with no mass traction.”
Fueling the tension is the ADC’s position. Despite the flurry of political activity and ongoing consultations, the party has distanced itself from any formal endorsement. In a recent statement, the ADC leadership clarified that it has not anointed any presidential candidate and is instead focused on party-building and internal consolidation.
“We are engaging all actors committed to national unity, but we have not endorsed Atiku, Obi, or any other aspirant. Our focus remains building a strong third force that puts the people first,” an ADC spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, defections continue to rock both the APC and PDP, as disillusioned party members seek new platforms. The unfolding dynamics are reshaping Nigeria’s political terrain, setting the stage for what analysts say may become one of the most unpredictable elections in the country’s history.
As 2027 looms, one thing is clear: the battle for the soul of the North—and Nigeria—has already begun.