Rabi’u Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) and Muhammad Rabiu Sabo Bakin, National Deputy Chairman of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) met behind closed doors yesterday in Abuja.
Alongside Ibrahim Ahmad Waya, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bakin paid Kwankwaso, whom many are speculating would be on a ticket with Peter Obi, a courtesy call.
According to reports, the two met with the former governor of Kano State in an attempt to convince him to join the NDC instead of the African Democratic Congress, or ADC.
During the meeting, it was reported that Bakin advised Kwankwaso to leave the ADC because of the party’s leadership turmoil. He was also reported to have claimed that the NDC is ready to welcome Kwankwaso and his enormous following and to provide them any posts they want inside the party.
Recall that ENigeria Newspaper, three days ago, reported that the NDC party took to its social media X page to post an AI image of Obi and Kwankwaso, wooing them to come get the ticket in the party. Two days later, the party debunked the post and said the page was not its official page.
Now, the meeting with Kwankwaso has coincided with the news of the image and its rejection, too. Just like Peter Obi, there has been a heightened stretch of meetings upon meetings in the past weeks. Peter Obi has gone to visit former president Goodluck Jonathan and Seyi Makinde in the space of five days.
Way forward for Obi and Kwankwaso
Last week, The “OK Movement” was started by Obi and Kwankwaso supporters in an effort to rally support for both politicians.
However, the duo are particularly not sure of a ticket as the ADC’s chance to run in the 2027 elections is in jeopardy because to a leadership issue. In an appeal by David Mark’s leadership against a lawsuit brought by factional chairman Nafiu Bala, the Supreme Court postponed making a decision until April 22.
In addition, Peter Obi is particularly not pleased at the Ibadan Summit as major decisions were not reached, especially as it concerns zoning.
In the meantime, parties must submit their membership lists and designate candidates for the 2027 elections by May 30, 2026, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
