NDC Campaign Director Calls on Atiku to Join Obi‑Kwankwaso Alliance Ahead of 2027 Election

NDC Director‑General Urges Atiku to Join Obi‑Kwankwaso Alliance

Speaking on Arise News on 28 October 2026, Ibrahim Abdulkarim, who heads the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Campaign Council, urged former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders to align with the emerging alliance centered on Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. According to Abdulkarim, the opposition must consolidate behind a shared agenda to enhance its prospects of unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential race.

Abdulkarim detailed how the coalition is materializing inside the NDC, noting that Obi has surfaced as the party’s nominee for president while Kwankwaso has consented to collaborate with him. He added that the NDC was open to welcoming Atiku and other leaders to broaden the alliance’s national reach.

Background

The NDC has been positioning itself as a viable alternative to the APC, the ruling party in Nigeria. Ibrahim Abdulkarim, who heads the party’s campaign council, has been actively promoting the idea of a united opposition front. In remarks given to Vanguard, he rejected objections regarding the party’s campaign framework, contending that the NDC’s internal organization should not be measured against the auxiliary groups supporting Obi. He noted that the party has more than a thousand support groups and that it would campaign peacefully across the country.

This invitation to Atiku followed the NDC’s campaign chief pointing out that the party had implemented safeguards to secure ballots for the 2027 polls, thereby responding to worries about electoral irregularities. Abdulkarim assured the electorate that the NDC would guarantee the accuracy of vote counts and described the party’s agenda as extremely distinctive and earnest.

Why it matters

The opposition’s ability to consolidate around a single platform could significantly influence the outcome of the 2027 presidential election. By inviting Atiku, a prominent opposition figure and former Vice‑President, the NDC aims to expand its reach and appeal to a broader electorate. The coalition’s emphasis on peaceful campaigning and vote protection seeks to address widespread concerns about electoral integrity, potentially increasing voter confidence in the process.

What happens next

Abdulkarim’s appeal is part of the NDC’s broader strategy to build a united front against the APC. While the sources do not specify a formal invitation date or a timetable for Atiku’s potential decision, the NDC campaign chief has indicated that the coalition is already in motion and that the party will continue to mobilise voters who have lost confidence in the electoral process.