Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have reportedly left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in what party insiders describe as a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The two opposition figures met with former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson in Abuja on Sunday, May 3, at his residence, for a closed-door meeting that lasted over an hour. Dickson, a leading figure in the NDC, was joined by the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, and members of its National Working Committee.
Although the agenda was not officially disclosed, sources familiar with the talks said the meeting centered on “ongoing political consultations and alliance-building efforts” ahead of 2027.
An invitation circulated to journalists via an NDC media platform indicated that both politicians were scheduled to be formally received into the party on Sunday in Abuja. Party sources described the anticipated move as “a growing wave of confidence in the NDC,” positioning it as an emerging platform for opposition collaboration.
Obi confirmed his exit from the ADC on Sunday, citing “internal disagreements, external interference and a hostile political environment.” Public affairs analyst Babajide Balogun, however, criticized the move, describing it as “evasion of responsibility dressed up as principle” and questioned Obi’s capacity to withstand the demands of governance if he “cannot endure the contest within a party”.
The defections come days after the Supreme Court affirmed former Senate President David Mark as ADC National Chairman on April 30, a ruling that sources say triggered Obi and Kwankwaso to “step back deliberately” due to unresolved party disputes. Buba Galadima, Secretary of the NNPP Board of Trustees, said the duo would unveil their new political platform today, Monday, warning that legal battles and electoral deadlines could hinder ADC’s ability to field candidates.
Chairman of the Kwankwasiya Movement, Revd Plus Ukachukwu, also announced Kwankwaso’s defection to the NDC in a statement on Sunday.
The ADC, meanwhile, insists it will proceed with its 2027 plans despite the exits. Following the Supreme Court ruling, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially recognized David Mark as ADC National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
The development marks the second high-profile defection in 48 hours, after Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) on Saturday, citing the need for a “credible platform” ahead of 2027.
Political observers say the NDC is fast emerging as the focal point of opposition realignment, with talks of a joint Obi-Kwankwaso ticket gaining traction among youths and retired generals. However, analysts note that Atiku Abubakar’s continued presidential ambition could complicate negotiations for a consensus candidate.
Efforts to reach spokesmen for Obi and Kwankwaso for further comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
