Peter Obi Wins NDC Presidential Ticket, Picks Kwankwaso as Running Mate for 2027 Race

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has emerged as the presidential flag bearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general election.

Obi secured the party’s ticket at a special convention held in Abuja and subsequently announced former Kano State Governor and ex-Minister of Defence, Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate.

His emergence sets the stage for a highly anticipated three-way contest in the 2027 presidential election, with President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expected to be on the ballot.

The development comes shortly after President Tinubu secured the presidential ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the party’s nationwide direct primary election. According to party figures, Tinubu recorded a decisive victory over his challenger, businessman Stanley Osifo.

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after defeating former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in the party’s primary election.

Atiku and Obi had initially joined the ADC in July 2025 as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to challenge the APC in the 2027 elections. However, Obi later left the party alongside Kwankwaso and their supporters to align with the NDC.

Their move has significantly boosted the profile of the NDC, with the influence of both the Obidient Movement and the Kwankwasiyya Movement helping to strengthen the party’s position within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.

Obi’s candidacy is expected to generate considerable interest across the country, particularly given his performance in the 2023 presidential election, where he finished third behind Tinubu and Atiku.

The former Anambra State governor has repeatedly stated that, if elected president, he would serve only a single term. The position has sparked debate among political observers and rival parties, with some questioning the practicality of such a pledge.

With the major parties now presenting their candidates, attention is gradually shifting toward what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most competitive presidential elections in recent history.