A major shift may be underway in Nigeria’s opposition politics as former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, are expected to announce a new political platform on Monday.
This development was disclosed on Saturday by Buba Galadima, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja.
The planned announcement comes amid growing uncertainty within opposition ranks and rising political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections. For weeks, there has been speculation about the next move of both leaders, especially following recent legal and internal challenges affecting several opposition parties.
Speaking at the meeting, Galadima told supporters to prepare for what he described as possible backlash following the announcement. According to him, political opponents may launch coordinated attacks through media channels and online platforms.
“As from Monday, when our leaders declare on which platform they will run, I want to tell you that one of two things will happen,” he said. “They will sponsor columnists and deploy social media influencers to attack our candidates.”
He urged supporters, particularly those active on social media and in the media space, to remain alert and respond carefully to criticism. He advised against initiating attacks but encouraged a strong response when provoked.
“Do not call anybody any name until they call our leaders names,” Galadima said. “Then we will respond with the greatest might of intellect in us.”
Using an international conflict as an example, he said responses should be strategic rather than emotional, noting that opposition supporters must remain disciplined in their communication.
Galadima also alleged that opposition figures have faced sustained pressure from authorities, including arrests and negative publicity. He claimed this was part of a broader effort to weaken opposition voices in the country.
He further stated that several political parties have already been affected, mentioning the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), National Democratic Party (NDP), and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) as examples of platforms that have been weakened in recent times.
According to him, the situation could worsen if urgent steps are not taken, warning that political desperation may lead to more serious actions against opposition leaders.
The possible alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso has been widely discussed in political circles. Both men were key contenders in the 2023 presidential election and have maintained strong support bases across different parts of the country.
Also speaking at the event, Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, expressed strong support for the proposed alliance. Although he stated that he is not a politician, he said he believes the Obi-Kwankwaso partnership offers a credible alternative for Nigerians.
“I am not a politician and don’t need to join your political party,” he said. “But let me say that O-K is okay for me.”
Fayose claimed that the alliance already has significant support across the country, stating that they have backing in at least 28 out of Nigeria’s 36 states. While this claim could not be independently verified, it reflects the optimism among supporters of the movement.
He also spoke about the need to protect votes during elections, stressing that Nigerians must remain vigilant. Drawing from his experience during the last election in Lagos, he said overwhelming voter turnout made it difficult for results to be altered.
“This time, it is up to the people to say you cannot steal our votes,” he added.
Using a local analogy, Fayose compared elections to the preparation of garri, saying that while outcomes often change over time, this time around, voters must remain firm to ensure that results reflect their true choices.
He also pointed to the country’s economic challenges, including the N70,000 minimum wage, as a reason why many Nigerians are eager for change.
Another speaker at the meeting, activist Aisha Yesufu, called for unity among Nigerians, urging citizens to move beyond ethnic and regional divisions.
She stressed that the country’s progress depends on collective effort and shared identity rather than differences.
“It is time for us to become a nation that is working,” she said. “The next time they say to you that this is an Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba person, tell them we are all Nigerians.”
Yesufu also highlighted the responsibility of educated and outspoken citizens to speak up for those who may not have the same opportunities. According to her, silence in the face of national challenges would only worsen the situation.
“The voices we have are not for us alone,” she said. “They are for millions of others who didn’t have the opportunities that we have.”
She warned against continuing cycles of division, asking Nigerians to reflect on where such divisions have led the country over the years.
However, questions remain about the structure, leadership, and strategy of the proposed platform. It is also unclear whether other political actors will join the alliance or how existing party loyalties will be affected.
For now, attention is focused on Monday’s announcement, which many believe could mark a turning point as Nigeria prepares for another election cycle.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the need for strong and united opposition voices continues to grow. Whether this new movement can meet that expectation remains to be seen, but it has already sparked conversations across the country.