The unexpected emergence of campaign posters featuring the image of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi alongside that of former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has sparked significant controversy across various online platforms.
This coalition, which many did not anticipate, has ignited fervent reactions from political supporters and detractors alike. The vivid designs and striking visuals of the posters have become a focal point for debates, as individuals passionately express their opinions on the implications of this alliance for the political landscape in Nigeria for the 2027 election. …CONTINUE READING
Peter Obi, who was the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, continues to enjoy robust support among the youth and urban populations in Nigeria following the electoral contest. On the other hand, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, remains aggrieved after his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He believes he possesses the political acumen and strategy to challenge and potentially unseat the current president in the upcoming 2027 elections. With Peter Obi emerging as a formidable contender, El-Rufai sees an opportunity to seek revenge and reclaim political relevance by rallying support against the incumbent.
ThePapers.ng reports that Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai recently convened in the United Kingdom during the 11th Annual Cambridge Africa Together Conference (ATC), which is currently underway at St. John’s College, University of Cambridge.
El-Rufai was among the speakers at the high-profile event, which draws African political leaders, academics, and changemakers from around the globe to discuss issues affecting the continent.
The encounter between the two high-ranking political figures, who come from rival camps, stirred conversation online after photos of them in deep conversation emerged.
The posters, which appeared in only one design with both Obi and El-Rufai, but with a faint Labour Party logo at the background, suggested that El-Rufai could soon dump SDP after recent defection from APC.
As conversations around possible coalitions continue to gain momentum, the opposition’s path to unity appears increasingly complex.
The challenge lies not only in forming strategic alliances but also in maintaining trust and coherence among key stakeholders who have differing visions of how best to achieve political change in 2027.
While Nigerians react to the sudden campaign poster online, both politicians have yet to make an official statement on it.
Among the dissenting voices is Babatunde Gbadamosi, a former Lagos State governorship candidate under the African Democratic Party (ADP), who strongly opposed the rumored development. In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Gbadamosi warned that he would withdraw his support for Obi if he selected El-Rufai as his running mate instead of his 2023 vice-presidential partner, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. He described any such alliance with El-Rufai as aligning with “evil under any guise.”
Gbadamosi’s statement underscores the internal disagreements within opposition circles, particularly over El-Rufai’s political ideology and controversial past.
While some political observers argue that a partnership with El-Rufai could strengthen Obi’s appeal in northern Nigeria and create a formidable opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, others view El-Rufai’s involvement as a potential threat to the unity and integrity of the movement Obi represents.
Below are reactions from the online poster:
Adeniyi Awoniyi: “Dead on arrival”
Oladele Adekunle Sunday: “Fail b4 arrival…”
Dan Isac: “If any party float this combination in Nigeria today, with current situations. Jagaban trouble is gone. If you don’t believe. Go to your streets and found out.”
Elder States Man: “Hahahaha joker’s”
Prince Ogbonna: “They are not serious”
Ugwuagbo Zobam Ernest: “PBATDIOTs High Blood pressure”
Abiodun Ogunbe: “It’s going to be a champagne party on election day. The politicians on the air”
Akue Engr Akue: “Obi is a force in Nigeria politics, when ever obi is presented, Every other candidate will always have sleepless night”
Unufe Ford: “Same thing in 2023 yet Labour party shook them in Lagos State. The fire wey them ignore dey burn house.”
Fanuvi M. Tata: “He doesn’t have that capacity to pull massive votes for Obi in the northern Nigeria.”
Dan Isac: “If a party float this dimension. APC is goooooneeer. With current situation, with this APC goner”
Abimbola Abdul-Hameed Bolaji: “Rat and cat”
