₦airaland Forum

Nigerians are sharply divided over the political alignment involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso under the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), with reactions ranging from renewed hope to deep skepticism ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development has triggered widespread debate across Nigeria and online, with citizens expressing mixed expectations about what the move means for opposition politics in the country.

While some Nigerians view the alignment as a potential breakthrough for opposition unity, others argue it reflects recurring instability within political coalitions.

At the centre of the development, Obi defended his decision, linking it to the worsening condition of the country.

“The condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria informed my decision to leave ADC for NDC,” he said.

He added that the decision followed deep reflection and was not driven by personal ambition.

“This decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation,” he said.

Obi also cited internal crises and legal battles within opposition parties as part of his reason for leaving, noting that, “I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises…”

However, reactions from Nigerians suggest the explanation has not settled the debate.

Some supporters across social media maintained that loyalty to Obi remains unchanged regardless of party platform.

“You don’t need to be in the same party with Peter Obi to vote for Peter Obi… All you need is your PVC,” NDC North Star wrote on X.

“From LP to ADC to NDC, the mission never change, rescue this country,” Tell Another Bro said.

Others questioned the consistency of repeated political movements.

“If you keep changing parties, what exactly are you building?” Teejay 2 asked.

“Leaving a party over ‘internal crisis’ sounds valid… but isn’t crisis part of Nigerian politics everywhere?” Odunayo wrote.

Some Nigerians were more direct in their criticism of leadership credibility.

“Someone that can’t rescue ordinary LP or ADC from crisis,” Pragmatic DB said.

“You are not in any position to rescue the country because you could not rescue a small Anambra State,” Teejay 2 added.

Concerns were also raised that the development could mirror the fragmentation witnessed during the 2023 elections.

“Na the same way una enter 2023 elections lose you wan enter 2027?” Biodun Adeyanju wrote.

Beyond individual criticism, some Nigerians pointed to deeper structural issues in the political system.

But others disagreed, arguing that political change in Nigeria is driven more by individuals than institutions.

Even within opposition circles, the debate continues.

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed questioned Obi’s decision to leave rather than fix internal challenges within the party.

“Someone who got the Labour Party’s ticket so easily should have stayed to fix the problem of the party no matter how difficult it is,” he said.

According to him, “If you are not ready to fight, stay in your house.”

Meanwhile, reactions also followed comments by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who reportedly described the ADC as a “dying party.”

Some Nigerians disagreed with the framing of the comment.

“Dismissing opposition as ‘dying’ only weakens democracy… Healthy competition is what drives real progress,” a Niger State indigene who spoke under anonymity said.

Others dismissed it as routine political rhetoric.

Reactions from other Nigerians, who spoke to DAILY POST, also reflected mixed expectations about the unfolding political alignment.

Kingsley Moses, an Abuja-based youth, said the development could reshape opposition strength if properly managed.

“Honestly, this Obi–Kwankwaso talk makes sense. If they combine structure and credibility, it can shake things. Obi has youth and middle-class support, Kwankwaso has northern grassroots. This might finally be the balance we’ve been talking about,” he stated.

In Kano, Mal Bello Hamidu urged caution, stressing the importance of structure and mutual agreement:

“Kwankwaso is not a small politician. He has his own movement. This idea of him ‘joining’ anyone is where the problem is. It has to be partnership, not absorption.”

In the South-East, a trader, Amadi Chigozirim said trust remains, but expectations are high.

According to him, “People in this part of the country still trust Obi, but we are also watching closely. We don’t want promises again, we want results. If this new arrangement can bring stability and development, we will support it.”

An APC supporter, Aminu Sani, Bauchi state, dismissed the excitement around the alignment,

“People are overhyping this. Politics is not Twitter trends. Elections are won with structures, not sentiments. Let them come together first, managing ambition alone will scatter everything,” he stated.

A trader at the Minna market in Niger State, Madam Mary said her concern remains the economy rather than political arrangements.

He said, “My own is simple: will it reduce food prices? These politicians will always join and separate. If Obi and Kwankwaso can make things better for ordinary people, we will support them. If not, na the same story.”

In Lagos, a commercial driver in Oshodi said political movements no longer influence his daily concerns.

“All these political movements don’t move me again. Whether Obi or Kwankwaso, what I want is just one thing , let fuel and transport be affordable. If they can fix that, fine. If not, it’s the same cycle every time,” he noted.

Overall, the reactions highlight a divided public opinion, with some Nigerians hopeful that the alignment could strengthen the opposition, while others remain doubtful about its durability.

Cj4charles:
Every body is talking about Peter Obi, yet they say he is inconsequential

tesseract:
On the contrary, Nigerians are not divided. As a matter of fact, Nigerians are following the man who is Peter Obi to where ever he goes. There is no division anywhere, there is no splitting. Anyone not comfortable with this move should check themselves.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan set to join the NDC on a single 4Yr-term agreement. He is expected to participate in the party primary.

Lol 😆 pic.twitter.com/SJW1q0zdBJ

— Emma ik Umeh (Tcee )🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) May 7, 2026

ogolemati:
its only an unstable man will vote for agbero chairman from lagos state

Just In: Goodluck Jonathan comes out to address Nigerians about his 2027 decision! Get in! pic.twitter.com/kbfOod0eoK

— Premier (@SodiqTade) May 7, 2026

Klington:
Obi is bigger than apc, tinubu and adc put together.

casualobserver:
Have you watched dumb and dumber? As Atiku has been watching others become president since 1999, so also Obi will watch as others become president.

I have said it many time they missed their appointment with destiny in 2023 because of no gree for anybody. That opportunity is gone and gone for good.

Obi is unelectable and Atiku is too old to be taken seriously by the North. Whoever success Tinubu in 2027 or 2031 will not be either of them.

Save this post and quote me in 2027 and 2031.

casualobserver:
This merger arrangement is medicine after death. These are the same PDP people that could not sort themselves out at the opportune time. It is now that they lost that they realize they should sort themselves out?

The opportunity has gone…..why?

1) the south is already half way through its 8 years. The North is fully aware of what happened with Jonathan and will not make the mistake of voting for a fresh southerner who will get there and feels he is entitled to 8 years. The North would rather back a southerner they know for sure has only 4 years to go that take the chance of a man who is not known to be loyal and respect agreements. They would rather wait 4 years and have 8 years of peace.

2). Obi is unsellable in the core North. As it stands right now, Like it or not, accept it or not, an Ibo man cannot win the presidency without the support of the SW. The SE have not built bridges and trust to earn their votes. Learn from the politics of the SW. the SW is president today because they built bridges and earned the trust of the North. Tinubu is president today not because the SW said it is our turn, you can say it is your turn from now till kingdom come. Tinubu is president because the North said it is the turn of the south and in the south we trust the SW. so when you hear Okonkwo on tv insulting Atiku and calling him a geriatric, remmember these are the people whose votes Obi will need.

3) The only ticket than can wrestle power from Tinubu is Atiku and Obi VP but the ego (which is the same issue that caused the division in the 1st place) will not allow that to happen. You only have to listen to that actor lawyer on Channels yesterday to know that this will never happen. He swore that if Obi accepts To be VP he is done with Obi. This is the reason why the merger will not work. Obi has gone too far down the path and sees himself and indeed is now projecting himself as the de facto opposition to back down to accept the only path that can actually put him in Aso rock….as VP to Atiku.

4) PDP blame Obi for their failure. They resent him. Despite the fact that Wike worked for APC, listen to the way PDP members like Sowunmi and Reno talk affectionately and with respect and awe about Wike but are disparaging towards Obi. You think these people are ready to play second fiddle to Obi and LP? They would rather defect to APC. The insult of an Obi presidency to a PDP man is like someone taking over your family land and asking you to pay rent on it. You would rather die!!!

5) you think Atiku after 6 failed attempts will back down to back Obi who prevented him from snatching his destiny?

In the end the same issues that caused their division in 2023 will cause the failure of any merger. The problem with Atiku, Obi and Kwakwanso is that they have PDP mentality AKA “no gree for anybody” mindset. That is the fundamental difference between APC and PDP. In APC when the party says step down, you step down and work for the party. Umahi was told to step down in senate race and not only step down but become campaign manager for Akpabio. Today he man’s the most powerful ministry in Nigeria which will enhance his profile for a shot at the VP slot in 2031. APc play the long game, PDP are by their DNA short term in their thinking that is why Atiku, Obi and Kwakwanso are serial defectors.

Atiku and Obi missed their appointment with destiny in 2023. They snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. That opportunity is gone and gone for good. Umahi or Uzodima will enter Aso rock as VP in 2031 and from there……. It is not by chance that Umahi is works minister and Uzodima is chairman APC governors forum…everything APC does especially under Tinubu is deliberate. Obi missed his chance to be VP. His destiny now is as a noise maker.

tesseract:
On the contrary, Nigerians are not divided. As a matter of fact, Nigerians are following the man who is Peter Obi to where ever he goes. There is no division anywhere, there is no splitting. Anyone not comfortable with this move should check themselves.