Habib Mailemo, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, says President Bola Tinubu’s chances of reelection in 2027 would be “dead on arrival” if Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso work together.
Mailemo spoke during an interview with Trust TV on Friday.
He said both Obi and Kwankwaso have “organic followers” whose support is not driven by inducement but by belief in their leadership and track records.
“It is only Peter Obi and my principal, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, that have organic followers that are not induced by anything other than the belief in their ability and competence to deliver,” he said.
Mailemo added that the ongoing opposition coalition is primarily aimed at building a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
His comments come amid remarks by Atiku Abubakar, who had said that he is more popular than Kwankwaso in northern Nigeria and that the latter’s influence is largely limited to Kano state.
The former vice-president, however, said he would step down if another candidate emerges as the flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress.
Reacting to Atiku’s claim, Mailemo said electoral success should not be judged solely by past votes, arguing that support for some candidates often reflects party structure and elite backing rather than personal popularity.
He said Obi and Kwankwaso had previously built strong followings despite operating on platforms with limited structures.
Mailemo also cautioned opposition figures against statements that could deepen divisions within the coalition, urging them to focus on unity.
“At this point, all of us in the coalition should be wary of using words that could widen differences instead of closing ranks,” he said.
He added that the goal of the alliance is to present a stronger political force capable of challenging the ruling party in the next election.
