Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), urging members to shun litigation and focus on national development.
The opposition figures made the appeal on Sunday in Abuja during their official reception into the party, amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi announced his defection shortly after resigning from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he joined last December. Addressing party leaders and supporters, he said their move to the NDC was driven by the need for a peaceful platform free from internal crises.
“First of all, I sincerely thank the leader of our party,” Obi said. “We are here to be part of a peaceful family that will work hard to build a united, secure, and prosperous Nigeria that works for everyone.
“Kwankwaso has been at the forefront of education, primary healthcare, and poverty reduction. We want to build a country where a child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
Obi also used the occasion to appeal to the government and judiciary, referencing his and Kwankwaso’s participation in the 2023 elections under different parties. He accused the current administration of contributing to instability within opposition parties through persistent crises and litigation.
“The government has fueled crisis after crisis, leading to lawsuits that forced us to leave our former parties,” he said. “Even in new parties, we encountered the same unresolved disputes. That is why we are here in the NDC, where we have been assured there is no litigation.
“We plead: let there be no court cases. Party members should avoid litigation so we can focus on building a new Nigeria. Let lawyers practice their profession elsewhere—we should not spend our time fighting ourselves but addressing the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.”
Kwankwaso, in his remarks, said their consultations with the NDC leadership revealed strong alignment in ideology and priorities, particularly in education, youth empowerment, security, and national unity.
“We came to consult with the party leadership and found that we share the same vision,” he said. “Given that party registration closes soon, we have decided to register immediately and urge Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, to do the same.”
He also called on his supporters, including members of the New Nigeria People’s Party and the Kwankwasiyya movement, to join the NDC.
The duo received their membership cards to loud cheers after a closed-door meeting with party leaders.
Earlier, former Adamawa State governorship candidate Aishatu Binani described Obi and Kwankwaso as influential leaders with strong grassroots appeal.
“Our party has welcomed distinguished national figures,” she said. “They are household names, especially among youth and women, who form the backbone of our support.”
Welcoming the new members, NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson said their entry reinforces the party’s growing national appeal.
“On behalf of the party, I welcome you both,” he said. “You may not have come with a crowd, but you represent one. Nigerians know the value you bring. There will be time for campaigns and to unveil our political processes.”
Dickson emphasized that the NDC is built on integrity, transparency, and inclusive governance, with a strong focus on youth and women.
The defection followed a closed-door meeting earlier in the day at Dickson’s residence in Guzape, Abuja, where both leaders finalized their move. They arrived to chants of “O-K is okay” from supporters of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement.
Other political figures present included Nasiru Gawuna, Aishatu Binani, Kabir Marafa, and Senator Victor Umeh.
Obi’s departure from the ADC marks another shift in Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape. In a statement posted on X, he cited deepening internal crises and a hostile political environment as reasons for his exit, while maintaining respect for party leaders such as David Mark and Atiku Abubakar.
“My decision is not based on personal grievances,” he said. “I continue to respect them.”
He, however, lamented recurring internal conflicts, court cases, and divisions, which he said were distracting from national issues and mirroring challenges he previously faced in the Labour Party.
“Politics has become more about control and exclusion than service,” Obi said. “Even sincere efforts are often misunderstood or attacked.”
The development has intensified speculation about a broader opposition coalition ahead of 2027, as various groups explore ways to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Obi’s supporters under the Obidient Movement reaffirmed their backing, insisting that attempts to weaken his influence have instead strengthened his grassroots appeal.
“We stand with Peter Obi,” said interim coordinator Yunusa Tanko. “Despite efforts to stop him, his popularity continues to grow.”
Meanwhile, the Presidency and the APC criticized Obi’s defection. Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga described him as a “political nomad,” dismissing his reasons for leaving the ADC as self-serving.
“Peter Obi avoids tough contests and takes the easy path,” Onanuga said.
APC spokesperson Felix Morka also questioned Obi’s pattern of switching parties, arguing that consistent commitment to a single platform is essential for political stability and effective leadership.
