2027: Obi, Kwankwaso will be on ballot, Obidients assure supporters

Supporters of Nigerian opposition figure Peter Obi have received assurances that he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will be on the ballot for the 2027 general elections. The Obidient Movement stated that recent political and legal developments would not derail their coalition. Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, addressed these concerns at a press conference in Abuja. He was reacting to a recent judgment by Justice Isah Dashen of the Federal High Court in Lokoja. This ruling set aside a previous December 2025 judgment that had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The judge cited that the initial ruling affected the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which claimed ownership of a logo used in the registration process but was not included in the lawsuit. Tanko reassured supporters that the alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso remains strong and is growing. He stated, "We want to reassure our supporters that the coalition is intact and growing stronger. Mr Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso will be on the ballot in 2027. No amount of intimidation or legal manoeuvring can stop the will of the people." The movement acknowledged concerns arising from recent court decisions and political tensions but insisted on pursuing their goals through lawful and peaceful means. They aim to offer Nigerians an alternative to the ruling party by building a broad-based movement that reflects the aspirations of ordinary citizens. The focus, according to Tanko, is to "rescue the country through democratic engagement, not violence or division." Peter Akah, an NDC House of Representatives aspirant, echoed these sentiments, assuring Nigerians that Obi and Kwankwaso would indeed be on the 2027 ballot. The movement plans to intensify consultations ahead of the elections and will keep supporters informed about the evolving coalition structure. Tanko also urged the Federal Government and political actors to respect judicial independence and ensure a free and fair electoral process.

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We want to reassure our supporters that the coalition is intact and growing stronger. Mr Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso will be on the ballot in 2027. No amount of intimidation or legal manoeuvring can stop the will of the people.