2027: Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso set to dump ADC for NDC next week

Indications have emerged that former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, are on the verge of defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

The development, according to the Kwankwasiyya movement, may materialise as early as next week, following what it described as a near-conclusion of talks with the NDC leadership.

Spokesperson of the movement, Habibu Mohammed, disclosed that negotiations have reached about 90 per cent, with only minor issues left unresolved. He added that both leaders, alongside other political stakeholders, are expected to formally join the NDC between Monday and Tuesday.

Mohammed revealed that the decision followed a crucial stakeholders’ meeting held in Kano, where representatives from all the 44 local government areas reportedly endorsed the move unanimously.

According to him, the resolution was driven largely by the lingering leadership crisis rocking the ADC, which has created uncertainty within the party.

He noted that the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, which set aside a status quo order in the ADC leadership tussle and returned the matter to the Federal High Court, further deepened concerns about the party’s stability.

“The legal battle could drag on for a long time, possibly returning to the Supreme Court again. It is not feasible to remain in such an uncertain environment,” Mohammed said.

He added that the movement considered alternative platforms, including the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), before settling for the NDC as a more viable option ahead of the 2027 elections.

Sources within the movement also cited the deadline for submission of party membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a key factor necessitating swift action.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi has reportedly distanced himself from recent ADC activities, particularly following the opposition leaders’ summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

It was gathered that Obi expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of stakeholders at the meeting to address the issue of zoning, which he has consistently advocated as critical to equity and trust within any political coalition.

Recall that in April, supporters of both Obi and Kwankwaso unveiled the “OK Movement,” aimed at mobilising support for a joint presidential ticket in the 2027 general elections — a move said to have received the backing of both politicians.

With political realignments gathering momentum, analysts say the anticipated defection could significantly reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the next general elections.