ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Strong indications have emerged that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso may be set to dump the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in a move that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Both men, who were presidential candidates in the 2023 elections under the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party respectively, are said to be concluding arrangements for the switch, with a formal announcement expected on Monday, barring any last-minute change of plans.
The anticipated defection is coming amid growing pressure within opposition ranks and increasing agitation at the grassroots level for a broader political realignment.
An unverified statement signed by Revd Plus Ndubueze Ukachukwu, Chairman of the Kwankwasiya Movement, claimed that Kwankwaso’s decision to join the NDC had already been finalised.
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“We formally announce the defection of our leader, Senator Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso PhD, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This decision is in the best interest of Nigeria, and aligns with our goal to meet the aspirations of all citizens,” the statement read.
“I therefore direct all Kwankwasiya Movement Anambra State to move to Nigerian Democratic Congress,” it added.
However, the NDC has moved to downplay the certainty of the development, describing the proposed defections as still within the realm of possibility rather than a concluded deal.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, said reports suggesting a finalised defection were premature.
“My recent response dwelt more on the realm of probability rather than certainty,” Abdulsalam stated.
“This unequivocal clarification is coming on the heels of a politically sensitive reportage which some media houses are already referencing and getting over-sensational in the public space,” he added.
He explained that while the party remains open to welcoming new entrants, it would not coerce or pre-empt political decisions.
“We do not foreclose nor coerce the defection scenarios to favour our party, as we believe politicians are free to move to any party of their choosing,” he said.
Abdulsalam disclosed that ongoing discussions with key opposition figures, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are part of broader efforts to build a coalition capable of challenging the status quo in 2027.
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“Our party has been calling on both ruling and opposition politicians to join what we call the ‘Noah’s Ark’ being floated by the National Leader of the party,” he said.
He further noted that talks were ongoing among opposition parties on the possibility of forming a multi-party alliance to consolidate political strength ahead of the next general elections.
“In the light of the facts the NDC has not foreclosed the defections of the duo 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,” he said.
If confirmed, the movement of Obi and Kwankwaso into the NDC would mark a major turning point in Nigeria’s evolving opposition politics, potentially setting the stage for a more coordinated challenge in the next electoral cycle.