Fresh political realignments may reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape as former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are set to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), amid growing internal crises within the ADC.
The anticipated defection, expected to be formalised as early as Monday, follows weeks of uncertainty within the ADC, including leadership disputes and ongoing litigation that have unsettled key stakeholders.
Allies of both politicians say the move is strategic, aimed at securing a more stable platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters and lawmakers aligned with the duo, including those who previously defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ADC, are also reportedly preparing to resign and follow them into the NDC, signalling a potential mass exodus that could further weaken the opposition party.
A close associate of Kwankwaso, Buba Galadima, disclosed at a unity summit of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja that both leaders would soon unveil the political platform on which they intend to contest.
He attributed their decision to the deepening crisis within the ADC and urged supporters to brace for criticism, particularly on social media.
Kwankwaso had earlier directed his supporters to resign from the ADC, a directive reinforced by his spokesman, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, who confirmed that the former Kano governor had effectively exited the party following a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano.
According to Mohammed, the decision was taken to avoid legal complications that could hinder their eligibility for the 2027 presidential race.
Mohammed further revealed that the emerging arrangement within the NDC may see Obi emerge as the party’s presidential candidate, with Kwankwaso as his running mate. He added that key figures within the Kwankwasiyya movement, including prominent political allies, have already withdrawn from the ADC in preparation for the transition.
Despite these developments, the Obidient Movement maintained that Obi remains engaged in ongoing consultations with stakeholders, emphasising that no final decision has been publicly confirmed.
In a statement, the group called for calm among supporters, noting that the consultations are focused on determining the most viable path towards achieving their political objectives.
Meanwhile, the NDC has adopted a cautious stance, neither confirming nor denying the anticipated defections. Its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, stated that while the party remains open to politicians across party lines, it would not compel any individual to join, stressing that political actors are free to choose their affiliations.
Efforts by ADC leaders to persuade Obi and Kwankwaso to reconsider their decision reportedly yielded no positive outcome as of press time. Internal disagreements within the party, including disputes over zoning arrangements and concerns about the transparency of its presidential primary process, are believed to have contributed to the growing discontent.
Sources indicated that tensions escalated following a recent summit in Ibadan, where expectations of zoning the presidency to the South were not reflected in the final communiqué. This development reportedly deepened mistrust among stakeholders, prompting Obi to distance himself from party activities and explore alternative options.
Amid the unfolding situation, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, criticised the conduct of supporters of both Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accusing them of engaging in frequent online confrontations. He urged political actors to focus on building unity rather than deepening divisions within the opposition.
Despite the looming defections, the ADC has insisted it remains a viable political force, reaffirming its commitment to contesting the 2027 elections. The party’s spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated that it would field credible candidates capable of competing nationally, dismissing claims that internal challenges could hinder its participation.
