The emerging presidential alliance between former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is facing growing resistance from some political stakeholders and sections of the electorate in Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.
Findings indicate that while the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is intensifying efforts to establish structures across the country, several northern leaders and groups remain skeptical about the party's prospects in the region. Concerns over the party's visibility, acceptance and political direction have continued to dominate discussions among political stakeholders.
Speaking on the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the NDC had yet to gain significant recognition among ordinary voters in many northern states. According to him, although prominent figures within the party continue to attract media attention, their political influence across the region remains uncertain.
Muhammad-Baba particularly questioned the extent of Kwankwaso's political strength beyond Kano State, arguing that many voters have become increasingly cautious about political alliances and campaign promises. He noted that citizens are becoming more interested in practical solutions to economic and security challenges rather than ethnic, regional or religious considerations.
The party also faces criticism from some youth leaders in the North. President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Council, Zaid Ayuba, claimed that Obi's perceived position on issues relating to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has contributed to distrust among some northern voters. Ayuba argued that such concerns could affect the party's chances in the region unless adequately addressed.
Political developments in Kano have further fueled debate over the alliance's prospects. Reports emerged that campaign posters bearing the images of Obi and Kwankwaso were destroyed by some youths in parts of Kano State, while a member of the Kano State House of Assembly who had recently joined the NDC reportedly returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
A political science professor based in Sokoto, who spoke anonymously, also maintained that the NDC remains largely unknown in many northern states. He argued that the challenge facing the party is more about visibility and grassroots presence than outright rejection by voters.
Meanwhile, the Northern Youth Assembly accused Kwankwaso of abandoning northern political interests through his alliance with Obi. In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Hafiz Garba, the group described the partnership as a departure from the ideals historically associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Despite the criticisms, NDC officials and supporters insist that the party is steadily gaining ground across Northern Nigeria. The NDC Chairman in Borno State, Haruna Amuda, disclosed that the party had witnessed significant defections from rival political parties and had established structures in all 27 local government areas of the state.
Similarly, NDC chieftain Abdulrazak Birnin-Kudu said the party had appointed coordinators across all local government areas in Jigawa State and was focusing heavily on youth mobilization at the grassroots level.
The party's governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Aminu Dutse, expressed confidence that worsening economic hardship and insecurity would encourage voters to consider alternative political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adding his voice, Northern Region Director of the Civil Liberty Organisation, Steve Aluko-Daniel, dismissed claims that the NDC lacks support in the North. According to him, the region no longer votes as a single political bloc, creating opportunities for new political movements to gain traction.
Aluko-Daniel argued that the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership has attracted significant interest among northern voters, particularly among youths and supporters seeking alternatives to the traditional political parties.
Also speaking, the National Co-Chairman of the NDC Coalition Alliance Network, Zakari Garba, said the party was rapidly expanding through the efforts of youth groups, professionals, women organizations and grassroots volunteers. He described the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as one of the strongest political combinations currently being discussed ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to Garba, Obi's reputation for economic management and accountability, combined with Kwankwaso's extensive grassroots network in Northern Nigeria, positions the alliance as a formidable force capable of reshaping the country's political landscape.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027, analysts believe the success of the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance may largely depend on its ability to build stronger grassroots structures, address concerns raised by critics, and broaden its appeal across the diverse regions of the country.
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