2027: Obi-Kwankwaso bid faces Northern resistance

Peter Obi's presidential ambitions are encountering considerable resistance from influential political stakeholders and segments of the electorate in northern Nigeria. Findings indicate that a substantial portion of northerners have not yet embraced his party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This opposition manifests as warnings from some northern leaders to their followers, who are being advised against supporting Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, with the pair being framed as detrimental to northern interests.

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majority of northerners had yet to embrace his party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Campaign materials circulating on social media platforms in the region have labeled Obi and Kwankwaso as "haram," or forbidden. Reports also emerged of angry youths in Kano State burning their campaign posters. Furthermore, a member of the Kano State House of Assembly, Muhammad Tomas, recently defected from the NDC back to the All Progressives Congress, signaling internal party challenges.

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haram

Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), stated that the NDC has yet to achieve significant visibility or acceptance among northern voters, remaining largely unknown to the general populace. He expressed doubt about the solidity of Kwankwaso's support base, even questioning his ability to retain Kano, where he previously performed strongly. Muhammad-Baba noted that many politicians associated with the NDC have switched parties multiple times, causing voter confusion.

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NDC is unknown

Muhammad-Baba also observed a growing disillusionment among northerners with politics driven by ethnic, regional, or religious sentiments. He stated that the average northerner is weary of promises that a northern candidate or a Muslim-Muslim ticket will solve Nigeria's problems, as past expectations have not been met. Consequently, political elites and voters are increasingly scrutinizing the past statements and actions of opposition leaders, questioning their consistency and credibility. This cautious approach extends to political alliances and ideological shifts, making voters more circumspect in their choices.

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The average northerner is tired of being told that having a northern candidate or a Muslim-Muslim ticket is the solution to Nigeria’s problems.