Former Anambra State governor, Mr Peter Obi, his Kano State counterpart, Senator Musa Kwankwaso, and others, yesterday, left African Democratic Congress, ADC, and changed Nigeria’s political atmosphere with their defection to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
Indeed, the polity is astir as political parties and politicians are locked in a realignment rat-race to beat the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s May 10 deadline for submission of membership register.
Following last Thursday’s decision of the Supreme Court, which made the main opposition ADC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, “uncertain platforms” as a political leader put it, last night, leading opposition politicians are leaving both parties for other parties to stand a chance of being on the ballot in 2027.
At the weekend, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State left the PDP for the Allied Peoples Movement, APM. The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi; and former governor of Kano State, Senator Musa Kwankwaso, led many topshots to leave the ADC and realigned with the NDC.
To “concretise” the move, they held a strategic parley in Abuja with former Bayelsa State governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, and other leaders of the NDC.
As it is, this is a decisive week in the run up to the 2027 general polls. To be eligible to contest for any position next year, an aspirant must be a registered member of a political party. More defections are expected this week.
Configuration of seats in the Senate and House of Representatives will also change as lawmakers change platforms. Many parties have scheduled events beginning today.
This is coming as the presidency mocked Obi for his latest defection, even as a group raised alarm over the APM and NDC having one name as legal adviser.
Obi, Kwankwaso brainstorm with Dickson
Obi, Kwankwaso and other defecting ADC leaders, including Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Kabir Marafa; Senator Aishatu Dahiru Binani; Senator Kabir Gaya, Rep Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, Rep Victor Ogene, and former IPAC Chairman, Chief Peter Ameh, arrived at Dickson’s residence at about 5:14 p.m. and headed for a closed-door meeting with the former Bayelsa State governor.
Others at the meeting included NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, alongside members of the National Working Committee, NWC.
After the closed-door parley, NDC leaders at a colourful ceremony, welcomed and registered Obi and Kwankwaso as members and were promptly issued with NDC membership cards.
Stalled progress
Obi said the current political climate, marked by internal conflicts and endless court battles, has stalled progress and forced many leaders to seek alternative platforms. He urged politicians to redirect their focus toward addressing poverty, insecurity and economic hardship.
According to him, Nigeria’s priority must be unity, safety, and shared prosperity. He stressed the need for a country where citizens, regardless of background, have equal opportunities to succeed, and where families live free from fear and economic uncertainty.
“We are gathered here because we believe in building a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria that works for everyone. It is unacceptable that over 50 per cent of our population is not productively engaged. That must change,’’ Obi said.
He called for an end to internal party disputes, warning that Nigeria could not afford continued political infighting amid worsening national challenges. Obi also appreciated supporters at home and in the diaspora, urging sustained commitment to national development.
Key to building prosperous nation – Kwankwaso
Kwankwaso, in his remarks, emphasised unity and active political participation as key to building a peaceful and prosperous nation. He commended the NDC leadership, noting that engagements with stakeholders revealed shared priorities, particularly in advancing education and empowering youths and women.
He described the NDC as more than a political platform, calling it a vehicle for social development and inclusion.
Kwankwaso also urged Nigerians, especially aspirants, to take advantage of the limited window to register and participate in the party’s processes, ahead of elections.
“We share common ground in promoting education and empowering young people and women. Our goal is to build a peaceful and united Nigeria,’’ he said.
Welcoming the new entrants, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described the party as an ideological movement committed to integrity, transparency and inclusive governance, adding that the NDC was gaining momentum as one of the country’s fastest-growing political platforms.
“This party belongs to Nigerians, especially women and youths who remain the backbone of our democracy,” Dickson said, assuring members of a fair and transparent process.
National Chairman of the party, Senator Cleopas, also called for unity and dedication, expressing optimism about the party’s future and its mission of national renewal.
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