Loyalists of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are calling for a southern presidential candidate as discussions intensify over a possible opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The push follows a high-level meeting in Ibadan involving major opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Obi, Kwankwaso, and Rotimi Amaechi, where participants reportedly explored fielding a single candidate to challenge the ruling APC.
However, opposition parties remain divided over whether the presidential ticket should be zoned to the North or South, exposing early cracks in coalition-building efforts.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) said it is not committed to zoning, insisting instead that it will prioritise electability and political strength in selecting its candidate.
In contrast, supporters of zoning argue that fairness and Nigeria’s informal power-sharing arrangement require the presidency to remain in the South, since the current administration is also southern-led.
Obi’s supporters further claim he has agreed to serve only one term if selected, framing his candidacy as a compromise option within the zoning debate.
The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) said zoning should still be considered even within a consensus arrangement, while the Social Democratic Party described zoning as a political but important balancing tool.
Despite ongoing consultations, party leaders admit that no final agreement has been reached, and coalition talks are still in early stages.
Analysts warn that while a unified opposition candidate could reshape the 2027 race, disagreements over zoning and strategy remain a major obstacle to opposition unity.
