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Atiku, Kwankwaso alliance could divide northern votes in 2027 — Stakeholders

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Voters and supporters across northern Nigeria are expressing mixed views over how the region may vote in the 2027 presidential election if former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Kano Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remain on different political platforms.

The debate comes amid growing discussions surrounding a possible alliance involving Peter Obi and Kwankwaso on one side, while Atiku is expected to pursue his presidential ambition separately with a yet-to-be-identified running mate.

Commenting on the emerging political permutations, Adnan Mukhtar Tudun Wada, an ADC chieftain, told DAILY POST that northern voters may be divided because of the different alliances and political interests ahead of the election.

According to him, Kwankwaso’s political influence remains the strongest in Kano State, unlike Atiku, whose support base stretches across several northern states.

“From my observation, Kwankwaso’s strength is in Kano. Even in the previous election, you could see how he only made it in Kano, while Atiku is all over,” he said.

He added that some northern voters are uncomfortable with Obi’s involvement because of perceptions surrounding the 2023 election campaign.

“The issue is that the North is not comfortable with Obi on the ballot because of the religious card he played the other time. That will also affect the strength of Kwankwaso in 2027,” he stated.

Wada further argued that many northerners are against the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and may prefer to support a northern candidate in the next election.

“The North is unanimously united against the APC and will surely go for a northerner on the ballot. Kwankwaso is a running mate this time around, and that has discouraged many of his supporters,” he added.

On the other hand, Kano Obidient Coordinator, Barrister Ibrahim Muhammad, believes the northern vote may split differently from what happened in the 2023 election because of the proposed alliances.

“The northern vote will likely split, but not like that of the 2023, because Kwankwaso is running with Peter Obi as presidential candidate from the South,” he told DAILY POST.

He explained that the voting pattern could depend on factors such as regional strength, the choice of running mates, and which candidate voters believe has the best chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

“And the pattern will depend on three things: home-base strength, running mates, and whether voters consolidate around the candidate they see as most likely to beat Tinubu,” he noted.

Muhammad also pointed to the wider coalition being discussed among opposition figures and parties.

“2023 election, Kwankwaso contested as presidential candidate in NNPP, which is a different party from the party Atiku contested under and got lower votes, but this coming election (2027 election), Kwankwaso will run with Peter Obi together with a massive alliance from different parties such as LP, SDP, APGA, and even those departing from APC to NDC,” he said.

According to him, some northern voters now see Atiku’s political moves as personal ambition rather than a broader opposition strategy.

“Northerners now understand that Atiku is running for himself, not for Nigerians, because Obi and Kwankwaso asked him to join NDC so that they can merge together and beat Tinubu, and he denied,” he claimed.

He further predicted that a Kwankwaso/Obi alliance could perform strongly in Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and other North-West states, while Obi’s influence may also boost support in the North-East and North-Central regions.

“The merger of Obi and Kwankwaso will help massively in getting more votes in Nigeria than any other part because of their loyalty and dedication to citizens,” he added.

However, one Mamman Buhari, an activist in Kano, believes neither Atiku nor Kwankwaso would come out victorious.

He told DAILY POST, “Kwankwaso has proved to be selfish, siding with Obi. Both Obi and Kwankwaso don’t respect the political awareness of the other, but selfishness has made them come together.

“And Atiku should let us be; he has been contesting for a very long time.“




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Nigerian opposition jobless, lazying around – Tinubu’s aide, Bwala

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Daniel Bwala, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, on Wednesday described the opposition as jobless, stressing that they are “lazying about.”

Bwala made the remark while featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today, in reaction to the United States, US, President, Donald Trump’s letter to President Bola Tinubu.

In the letter, Trump had lauded Tinubu for his decisive leadership in tackling terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly attacks on Christian communities.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump conveyed the commendation in a letter dated July 6, 2026.

However, Bwala said: “The opposition is jobless, allow the opposition to keep lazying about, Nigerians want to hear what is happening to their lives.”

Bwala insisted that Nigerians currently want to know Tinubu’s strides in the areas of economy and security.

“Nigerians want to know what is happening with their economy, their education, and most importantly with security and we have made substantial progress,” he said.

The presidential aide also maintained that Tinubu made history in collaboration with the US government.

“First time in Nigeria’s history where the leadership of Tinubu brought about a very strong collaboration.

“The letter was written by the US government applauding the President of Nigeria for deeper cooperation but unfortunately we are not discussing it in the media Today, is it fair to Nigerians?

“Is it fair to Nigerians who want to know that this country has experienced progress to the point where our collaboration is yielding results,” he added.




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Engaging US lobbyists to criminalise Tinubu unconscionable, unpatriotic – Shehu Sani hits Atiku

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Former senator Shehu Sani has criticised presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Atiku Abubakar, over the engagement of a United States lobbying firm to circulate documents relating to President Bola Tinubu’s past US forfeiture case, describing the move as unconscionable and unpatriotic.

Sani, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, argued that involving foreign lobby groups to portray the President and his administration negatively before the US government could damage Nigeria’s international reputation and have adverse consequences for ordinary citizens.

He warned that such actions could escalate global distrust of Nigerians and expose the country to sanctions or visa restrictions.

“Engaging US lobby groups to criminalise the President and his administration and curry favour from the US Government is unconscionable and unpatriotic.

“It may not achieve its objectives but will undoubtedly damage the international reputation of the country, escalate global repudiation against our citizens and lead us into the traps of sanctions and visa restrictions.

“Most times, ordinary Nigerians end up paying the price for negative campaigns against the country.

“The opposition should fight and struggle for power within the borders of our country. Seeking for foreign help for regime change in a democratic setting is wrong,” Sani wrote.

His comments followed reports that Washington-based lobbying firm Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., engaged by Atiku, had begun sharing documents relating to a long-running United States forfeiture case involving Tinubu with officials in the Donald Trump administration, members of Congress and congressional staff.

The firm said it was distributing records from the US Department of Justice concerning allegations linked to a 1993 civil forfeiture proceeding involving funds connected to Tinubu.

Atiku reportedly engaged the lobbying firm in March under a 12-month contract valued at $1.2 million to undertake advocacy, diplomatic outreach and present his perspectives on issues concerning Nigeria-US relations.




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Kaduna ADC picks Kantiok as Ashiru’s running mate for 2027 governorship election

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Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, Isa Ashiru, has announced former three-term member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Irmiya Kantiok, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

Ashiru, in a statement announcing the decision on Wednesday, described Kantiok as a seasoned legal practitioner and experienced legislator whose wealth of experience would strengthen the party’s quest to provide purposeful leadership for Kaduna State.

Kantiok represented Zonkwa Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly for three consecutive terms.

Announcing his choice, Ashiru said, “Today, I proudly announce Barrister Irmiya Ishaku Kantiok as my running mate for the 2027 gubernatorial race under our great party, the African Democratic Congress.”

He described Kantiok as a leader whose professional and political credentials align with the aspirations of the party and the people of Kaduna State.

“A battle-tested legal titan and former Kaduna State House of Assembly member for three terms representing Zonkwa Constituency, Barrister Ishaku Kantiok embodies the intellect, integrity and resilience Kaduna State deserves at this time of its development,” Ashiru said.

The ADC candidate noted that Kantiok’s accomplishments in the legal profession and legislature reflected his dedication to justice, accountability and inclusive governance.

“His courtroom victories and legislative service reflect an unyielding commitment to justice, good governance and equitable development, as well as fighting for the people even amid electoral storms that tested true character,” he added.

Ashiru said their joint ticket would focus on uniting the state, strengthening institutions and accelerating development across all three senatorial districts.

“Together, we will forge a united Kaduna State where the rule of law reigns, youths thrive, infrastructure expands, and every zone rises. This is a ticket of experience, competence and vision for a greater and more prosperous Kaduna State,” he said.

He called on residents of the state and supporters of the ADC to rally behind the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election, expressing confidence that the party’s agenda would deliver inclusive governance, sustainable development and renewed hope for the people of Kaduna State.




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