Obidient Movement Confident: Obi, Kwankwaso to Feature on 2027 Ballot

The Obidient Movement, on Monday, offered strong assurances to its followers that Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential flagbearer for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and his running mate, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, are firmly set to appear on the ballot for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, the National Coordinator of the movement, allayed concerns that recent political and legal developments might derail the opposition alliance. Tanko's comments came in response to a Federal High Court judgment delivered on Friday in Lokoja by Justice Isah Dashen. This ruling had overturned a previous judgment from December 10, 2025, which had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.

The judge's decision cited that the earlier judgment infringed upon the rights of the Peace Movement Party, which asserted ownership of the logo used to obtain the registration order but was not included in the original lawsuit. Despite this setback, Tanko reiterated the unwavering strength of the alliance forming around Obi and Kwankwaso, stating it would not be weakened by attempts to frustrate its objectives.

He declared, “We want to reassure our supporters that the coalition is intact and growing stronger. Mr Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso will be on the ballot in 2027. No amount of intimidation or legal manoeuvring can stop the will of the people.” The national coordinator acknowledged that the movement was aware of anxieties stemming from recent court pronouncements and political tensions. Still, he affirmed that the opposition remains committed to pursuing its goals through legitimate and peaceful channels.

According to Tanko, the coalition is resolved to present Nigerians with a viable alternative to the current ruling party. “We are building a broad-based movement that reflects the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians. Our focus is to rescue the country through democratic engagement, not violence or division,” he stated. He implored supporters to maintain calm, unity, and dedication to the democratic process, adding that the movement would continue to uphold the rights of its leaders and members. Tanko further urged the Federal Government and all political stakeholders to respect the independence of the judiciary and ensure the electoral process remains free and fair. “We are asking all institutions to do the right thing. Democracy thrives when the people are allowed to choose their leaders without interference,” he added.

The movement indicated plans to intensify consultations ahead of the 2027 elections and pledged to keep supporters updated on the evolving structure of the coalition. Lending his voice to the assurance, Peter Akah, popularly known as Randy Peter, an NDC House of Representatives aspirant for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency in Cross River State, also guaranteed Nigerians that Obi and Kwankwaso would be on the 2027 ballot. Akah contended that the legal challenges facing the NDC were specifically aimed at hindering his party’s presidential candidate.

He remarked, “We as Nigerians must have the understanding that what the NDC is going through is not only their problem. They must understand that in 2027, the battle is between a corrupt political class and more than 200 million victims of failed and rudderless leadership. If Mr Peter Obi does not become president tomorrow, I’m not sure he has a lot to lose in his personal life. But many of us here seated as young people have a lot to lose if Nigeria does not work. So, as a people, we must know that this is a battle against our own lives. Let the sense of reasoning guide every person.”

Akah further highlighted a pattern, stating, “Obi was in the Labour Party, problem came. He left Labour, and the party became peaceful. Obi entered the ADC, another problem. Obi left the ADC; the problem left. He joined the NDC, and the same problem resurfaced. Nobody or political party that controls everybody, including over 30 governors, should be this afraid. Go and get your PVC because our leader, Peter Obi, and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso will be on the ballot.”