Arise TV host warns of legal battles, political sabotage as Obi, Kwankwaso join NDC amid rising tensions ahead of 2027 elections.

Popular Arise Television broadcaster, Rufai Oseni, has sounded the alarm over what he described as a calculated and coordinated effort by Nigeria’s political elite to block former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from contesting in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on The Morning Show, Oseni claimed that internal political assessments across major parties have identified Obi as the most formidable challenger to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid—making him a primary target for exclusion.

According to the journalist, the emerging strategy within the political establishment is not just to defeat Obi at the polls, but to prevent him from appearing on the ballot entirely.

Oseni argued that recent political tensions and party crises are not coincidental, but part of a broader scheme to sideline the former Anambra State governor. He pointed to internal “political mapping” allegedly conducted by parties such as the APC and ADC, which he said consistently rank Obi as the only opposition figure with significant electoral strength.

He further warned that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)—Obi’s new political platform—may soon face a wave of legal challenges aimed at weakening or disqualifying the party before the elections.

“I think it’s going to be the beginning of more troubles for the NDC because litigations will begin, especially around its registration,” Oseni said, highlighting looming institutional hurdles.

He added that the alleged game plan is clear:

“The idea is Peter Obi not being on the ballot. All forces will do everything possible to ensure that.”

Oseni also linked the recent internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to these efforts, suggesting it was orchestrated to deny Obi a viable political vehicle ahead of 2027.

He maintained that his claims are based on extensive political analysis and consultations with insiders who track electoral trends, insisting that the next election cycle will largely depend on Obi’s ability to navigate legal and structural obstacles.

Meanwhile, in a significant political development, Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have officially joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The duo were received by former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and other party leaders at the NDC national headquarters in Abuja.

Their defection is seen as a major boost for the emerging party, but also one that could intensify the political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.