Isaac Samuel
Former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, is yet to take a definitive position on the reported move to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, finalises plans to lead a mass defection of his supporters from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Sources familiar with the ongoing political realignments said while talks between key opposition figures and the NDC had reached advanced stages, Obi has remained cautious, consulting widely with political allies and stakeholders before making any commitment.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, is said to have secured the backing of influential figures within the Kwankwasiyya Movement to spearhead the defection, expected to take place in the coming days.
Multiple sources indicated that the planned move followed a strategic meeting held in Kano, where leaders of the movement reportedly endorsed the NDC as a viable platform amid the protracted leadership and legal crises rocking the ADC.
An ally of Kwankwaso and a prominent member of the movement, Dr Yusuf Kofarmata, cited unresolved internal disputes, court cases and structural uncertainties within the ADC as key reasons for the planned exit, warning that the party’s survival ahead of the 2027 general elections could be in jeopardy.
“ADC as a party is battling with so many crises. It will be a miracle for the party to survive the internal and external factors currently working against its unity and progress,” he said.
He drew parallels with the 2019 Zamfara scenario, where legal disputes cost a major party its electoral fortunes, stressing that the movement could not afford to take similar risks.
Another stakeholder, Shehu Wada Sagagi, said the decision to align with the NDC was taken after “careful consideration of the legal and political threats” confronting the ADC, noting that the movement was prioritising a platform with greater stability.
The unfolding developments have already triggered ripples at the grassroots, with some local leaders within the Kwankwasiyya structure announcing their resignation from the ADC in line with directives from the movement’s leadership.
key Kwankwasiyya figure in Dala Local Government Area, Hon. Kabiru Adamu Abdullahi, announced his resignation from the ADC, citing directives from the movement’s leadership.
In a letter dated May 1, 2026, addressed to his ward chairman, Abdullahi said he was leaving the party with immediate effect.
“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me to be part of the party and wish you and the party the very best,” he said.
In a separate statement shared on social media, he linked his decision to the directive of Kwankwaso, popularly referred to as “Jagora” by supporters.
Meanwhile, Obi’s silence has continued to fuel speculation over the shape of the opposition coalition ahead of 2027.
While some sources insist he is favourably disposed to the NDC arrangement, others say he is weighing multiple options, including contesting the Presidential ticket of the ADC.
