Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have concluded plans to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, ending weeks of speculation over their next political move ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Kwankwasiyya movement confirmed on Friday night that both leaders are expected to formally defect to the NDC on Monday or Tuesday. Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson for the movement, said talks with the NDC are now at an advanced stage, with only minor details left to be resolved. “I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed disclosed that representatives of stakeholders from all 44 local government areas of Kano State met at Kwankwaso’s residence on Friday at about 3:30 p.m. to consider the available options. “The stakeholders have unanimously given him the go-ahead to move to the NDC,” he said. He added that Kwankwaso is currently in Kano and is expected back in Abuja by Sunday ahead of the planned defection.
The decision follows deepening internal crises within the African Democratic Congress, where both politicians had recently pitched their tents. Mohammed cited the prolonged leadership tussle in the ADC and a recent Supreme Court ruling, which returned the dispute to the Federal High Court, as factors behind the move. “It does not look feasible to stay there… the entire caucus voted unanimously that a better platform, not embedded in a leadership tussle, should be used,” he told TheCable.
According to Mohammed, the movement considered both the Peoples Redemption Party and the NDC before settling for the latter. He noted that ongoing court cases and approaching deadlines for submission of party membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission also influenced the decision.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, said the party has not foreclosed the defections of Obi and Kwankwaso. “In the light of the facts so presented in this explanatory press release, the NDC has not foreclosed the defections of the duo of Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Mr Peter Gregory Obi and others, even though discussions have been going on among the opposition parties on the possibility of an alliance to build a multi-party momentum towards the 2027 polls,” Abdulsalam said. He added that the party has been calling on both ruling and opposition politicians to join what it calls the “Noah’s Ark” being floated by the National Leader of the party.
NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson had earlier urged politicians to move before the party’s primary deadline. “Those who are still in doubt should come now. By law, you are free to join or leave any party at any time. Our registration portals are open, but there is a deadline. Move now before the 4th or 5th if you want to be part of the process. Don’t waste time, delay is dangerous,” Dickson said.
Buba Galadima, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party, also hinted at the looming defections at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja on Saturday. “As from Monday, when our leaders declare on which platform they will run, I want to tell you that one of two things will happen,” Galadima said.
Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his X platform, said he has not taken a final decision and is still consulting widely. “We have commenced wide-ranging consultations… to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests. We shall announce our decision in the soonest possible time,” he said. He attributed the uncertainty to legal and structural challenges within the ADC.
Peter Obi, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed his exit from the ADC, citing deepening internal crises and a hostile political environment. “The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC,” Obi said. He added that persistent court cases, internal divisions, and an atmosphere of suspicion within the party were taking attention away from addressing national challenges.
The Obidient Movement, however, urged members not to be swayed by speculative reports. “Peter Obi remains fully committed to this mission and will, in due course, formally address the Obidient Movement and the general public to provide clarity on the current situation and the direction ahead,” said Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the movement.
Supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso held a unity summit in Abuja on Saturday, themed ‘One Voice, One Vision: In Unity We Win’, amid the defection talks. The development is expected to reshape opposition alignments ahead of the next general elections.
