Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, calling for an end to internal party litigations as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The duo made the declaration on Sunday in Abuja during their official reception into the party, following a closed-door meeting with NDC leadership at the residence of former Bayelsa governor Seriake Dickson in Guzape.
The declaration comes amid recurring leadership crises and legal battles across major opposition parties, which Mr Obi blamed for weakening internal cohesion and distracting from governance issues.
Mr Obi, who recently resigned from the African Democratic Congress, said their move was driven by the need for a stable political platform free from internal crises and court battles.
“First of all, I join in thanking the leader of our party… we are coming here to be part of the peaceful family that will work hard to build a united, secure, prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Mr Obi added, “We are pleading with the government of today… Please, don’t come here. We want to have peace. We don’t want cases.”
He also urged the judiciary and party members to avoid prolonged legal disputes.
“We don’t want to spend our time in litigation… let’s spend our time dealing with issues affecting the ordinary Nigerian,” he said.
Accusations against government
Mr Obi accused the current administration of fuelling instability within opposition parties.
“The government of today has ensured that they put up crisis upon crisis… which led to several lawsuits in our party,” he said.
He noted that similar challenges followed him across multiple political platforms, forcing repeated exits.
His comments reflect ongoing tensions between opposition figures and the ruling All Progressives Congress, with allegations of political interference becoming a recurring theme in Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
Kwankwaso backs ideological alignment
Mr Kwankwaso said their decision followed consultations with NDC leadership, revealing alignment on key national priorities.
“We realised that we are all on the same page… education, empowerment of young men and women, security, and a very peaceful, united Nigeria,” he said.
He urged supporters, including members of the New Nigeria People’s Party and the Kwankwasiyya movement, to register with the party before the deadline.
“We have decided that all of us will register… and I want all Nigerians… to register with the NDC,” he added.
NDC welcomes new entrants
Welcoming the duo, Mr Dickson described them as major political figures with nationwide appeal.
“Both of you are personifications of the crowd… you are part of the biggest brands in our political history,” he said.
He added that the NDC represents an ideological movement focused on integrity, transparency, and inclusive governance.
Earlier, former Adamawa governorship candidate Aishatu Binani also praised their entry, highlighting their grassroots influence among youths and women.
Growing coalition and political stakes
The meeting, attended by notable figures including Nasiru Gawuna, Kabir Marafa, and Victor Umeh, underscores intensifying coalition-building efforts among opposition blocs.
Mr Obi arrived at about 5:18 p.m. to chants of “O-K is okay,” alongside Mr Kwankwaso, as supporters rallied under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement.
Exit from ADC and political criticism
Explaining his exit from the ADC, Mr Obi said the party had become engulfed in internal disputes and litigation.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents… are finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division,” he said.
He maintained that his decision was not driven by personal grievances against leaders such as David Mark or Atiku Abubakar.
Supporters rally, presidency fires back
Supporters under the Obidient Movement reaffirmed loyalty to Mr Obi, with coordinator Yunusa Tanko stating that his popularity continues to grow nationwide.
However, the Presidency and APC dismissed Mr Obi’s move, describing him as inconsistent.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga said, “The political nomad is on the move again… ignore all those puerile reasons.”
Mr Onanuga accused Mr Obi of avoiding internal party contests, while APC spokesman Felix Morka criticised his history of switching parties, arguing that political stability requires long-term commitment.
The defection marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics, with multiple blocs exploring alliances to challenge the ruling party in 2027.
Mr Obi’s departure from the ADC and alignment with the NDC adds momentum to coalition talks, even as internal disputes and external criticisms continue to shape the evolving political landscape.
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