By Ishaya Ibrahim
A report making the rounds on social media claims some unnamed power brokers are working behind the scene to have the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi align with the former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai in a new run for Aso Rock in 2027.
The report gained traction on Saturday after @PIDOMNigeria, a handle on X known for support of Peter Obi and with reputation for giving exclusive credible information, claiming that his sources have told him about an alliance between the duo where Obi will fly the ticket of a party yet to be identified, while El-Rufai will be the running mate.
The post by PIDOMNigeria reads: “In Nigeria’s politics, there are unseen power brokers. They check the strength and weaknesses of candidates before forming an alliance. From a very reliable source as I was informed, the Obi and El-Rufai combo that is being proposed, is the only formidable force that can flush Tinubu out of power in 2027.
That is why it is being considered at the moment.
“According to what I gathered, the power brokers believe Obi has a cult followership, general love, acceptance, and political strength to pull massive votes around SE, SW, SS, and around some North Central states. But he needs a formidable force to sell and drive his candidacy into the Core-Northern states.
“Firstly, a hard-line Muslim with political strength to market Obi around the KKK (Kano, Kaduna, Katsina) states in the north, so he could be accepted. Secondly, someone who is well Educated and smart enough to checkmate Peter Obi, because of trust issues between both regions. Thirdly, someone who will automatically succeed Peter Obi, to become president, banking on Peter Obi’s political support.
“They found that person in Nasiru El-Rufai. The plan is to adopt another political party, and see to the reality of this plan. It is left to both men to either accept, or reject the proposal.”
The post by @PIDOMNigeria appears not to sit well with many Obidients, which is the fulcrum of Peter Obi’s political support.
Here are some reactions.
@SabinaNkiru said: “They should not mess with Igbo sentiments, El -Rufai can’t dent Obi’s acceptability in SE and SS, they will just relax in their homes on election day and Tinubu will have his way.”
@i_jandor said: “Obviously, this plan is de@d on arrival. El-Rufai can never be trusted to carry out any plan.”
@Tobicods said: “IT’S BEST TO FIGHT A WAR WITH A STRONGER ENEMY, THAN A WEAKER FRIEND. Some things are unpleasant but necessary!”
@itspauldaniels said: “This is very hard to swallow but I see it coming. Most Obidients will find it very difficult to accept considering the level of immoral involvement of El-Rufai especially in the Middle Belt.”
@Merald__Ayomi said: “Will Peter Obi be president?? I don’t care who is the vice.”
