Momentum is building around a potential political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, as Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, held a series of strategic meetings in Abuja with influential political figures from across Nigeria.
Obi met separately with former Niger State Governor Dr. Babangida Aliyu, former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and his 2023 running mate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. Notably, Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was also present during the closed-door discussions.
The meetings were held in quick succession, with Obi first visiting Dr. Aliyu’s residence in Abuja. He was later seen at El-Rufai’s home, where the talks extended into the evening. The presence of Nwodo has added another layer of intrigue, suggesting serious deliberations involving key actors from both the North and South.
Though the parties involved have yet to release official statements, multiple sources close to the developments suggest that the talks were focused on building a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 elections.
Peter Obi, El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and Rotimi Amaechi are active members of an emerging political coalition being coordinated under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The inclusion of Okwesilieze Nwodo a veteran PDP strategist, adds further weight to speculation that the group is seeking to form a pan-regional, cross-party alliance to challenge the ruling party.
The ADC Coalition, still in its early stages, aims to bring together political heavyweights from the PDP, Labour Party, APC, and SDP. The goal, sources say, is to form a formidable third-force capable of winning national support and presenting a credible alternative leadership for Nigeria.
Obi, who left the PDP in 2022 to contest under the Labour Party, remains a central figure in the coalition, with analysts viewing him as a potential consensus presidential candidate for 2027. The return of figures like Nwodo to strategic talks only strengthens the perception that high-level groundwork is being laid for a serious political challenge.
As Nigeria approaches another critical election cycle, these high-level consultations signal that major realignments are not only possible they are already underway.
