The reported Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso 2027 alliance under the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is drawing mixed reactions across the North.
While some party officials insist the movement is gaining ground, several northern political voices argue that the party still lacks strong visibility in many states.
The debate has grown after reports of resistance in parts of Kano, including the burning of campaign posters in Ungogo Local Government Area.
Some political messages also circulating on WhatsApp platforms in the region have described the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as unacceptable.
Concerns Over Party Visibility
National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the NDC remains largely unknown to many ordinary voters in the North.
He argued that media attention around some opposition figures does not automatically translate to grassroots strength.
According to him, even Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano may not be as firm as it was during the 2023 election.
He added that many voters are now tired of political promises built around religion, region, and ethnicity.
Obi Faces Trust Questions
President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Council, Zaid Ayuba, claimed that Obi’s political image remains a major challenge in the North.
He alleged that many northerners remain uncomfortable with Obi because of his perceived position on IPOB.
Ayuba said the issue is not about tribe or religion, but about trust, justice, and national security.
He argued that Kwankwaso may not be able to change that perception among northern voters.
Northern Youth Group Faults Kwankwaso
The Northern Youth Assembly also criticised Kwankwaso’s reported alliance with Obi.
In a statement by its Secretary General, Hafiz Garba, the group accused the former Kano governor of abandoning northern political interests.
The group said the Kwankwasiyya movement once represented a strong northern identity but now appears tied to political calculation.
NDC Leaders Disagree
However, NDC leaders in some northern states have rejected claims that the party is weak in the region.
Borno State NDC Chairman, Haruna Amuda, said the party is receiving thousands of new members, especially from rival parties.
In Jigawa, party chieftain Abdulrazak Birnin-Kudu said coordinators have been appointed across all 27 local government areas.
He said youths are playing a major role in building the party’s grassroots structure.
Supporters See Opportunity
Jigawa NDC governorship candidate, Aminu Dutse, said hardship and insecurity are pushing voters to consider new political options.
He admitted that the party is still new but said it already has candidates for all elective positions ahead of 2027.
Northern Region Director of the Civil Liberty Organisation, Steve Aluko-Daniel, also dismissed claims that the NDC lacks acceptance.
He said northern voters are no longer moving as one political bloc and are now exploring fresh alternatives.
According to him, the personalities of Obi and Kwankwaso could help the party attract support if the alliance is properly managed.
2027 Battle Takes Shape
The mixed reactions show that the NDC still faces a major test in Northern Nigeria.
For critics, the party must overcome questions of trust, structure, and regional acceptance.
For supporters, the growing frustration with old political platforms may give the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance a chance to gain ground before 2027.
