Former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), receiving their membership cards Monday at a ceremony in Abuja.
The reception was led by NDC National Leader and former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson, alongside members of the party’s National Working Committee. Also present were key figures from the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the Obidient Movement, signaling a coordinated shift by both political blocs.
Speaking after the event, Kwankwasiyya spokesperson Habibu Mohammed said the defection followed extensive consultations and a unanimous endorsement by stakeholders from all 44 local government areas in Kano. The stakeholders met at Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano last week and gave him the mandate to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the NDC.
“This decision is in the best interest of Nigeria and aligns with our goal to meet the aspirations of all citizens,” Mohammed said. He disclosed that discussions with the NDC were “about 90 percent” complete before Monday’s formal reception, with only minor issues left to finalize.
NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Abdulmumin Abdulsalam confirmed the party had received the names of Obi and Kwankwaso from the ADC about a month ago. He said high-level negotiations were facilitated by Senator Dickson, who has been courting opposition leaders under what the party calls its “Noah’s Ark” initiative.
“While discussions with key opposition leaders, including many APC politicians, are ongoing, the hierarchy of the NDC shall continue to keep the doors of the party open for whoever wants to come into the party’s fold to salvage the nation,” Abdulsalam said.
*ADC Crisis Triggers Exit*
Insiders said the move was accelerated by the deepening leadership crisis in the ADC. On Thursday, the Supreme Court set aside the ‘status quo ante bellum’ order in the ADC leadership dispute and returned the matter to the Federal High Court, effectively resetting the contest without resolving it.
“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,” Mohammed explained. He added that the instability had made political planning “untenable” ahead of 2027.
Both Obi and Kwankwaso had only joined the ADC in March 2026. Kwankwaso received his party registration card in Kano at the time, while Obi was unveiled as a member in Abuja. Their exit after less than two months points to rapid fractures within the opposition coalition.
*Obidient Movement Responds*
Reacting to the development, the Obidient Movement urged supporters not to be swayed by speculative reports. In a statement signed by Tanko, the group said Obi remains committed to the mission of building a “New Nigeria” and would address supporters directly.
“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,” the statement read. It stressed that ongoing consultations are anchored on integrity, accountability, and citizen participation.
*2027 Realignment*
The NDC has positioned the defection as the start of a broader opposition realignment for the 2027 general elections. Party leaders say the NDC is prepared to offer its presidential ticket to the duo to create a formidable front against the ruling APC.
Political analysts say the pairing of Obi, who secured over six million votes in 2023 and retains strong youth and urban support, with Kwankwaso’s disciplined northern grassroots structure, could reshape voting dynamics if the alliance holds.
For now, the NDC says its registration portals remain open, but warned of an impending deadline. “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 while receiving Senator Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru into the party last week.
Neither Obi nor Kwankwaso has issued a personal statement since collecting their membership cards. Party sources say a joint press conference is expected within the week.