Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections. Their move comes after weeks of speculation about their next political platform following their exit from the African Democratic Congress.
The two leaders were received at a meeting in Abuja by NDC national leader and former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson and other party executives. At the end of the closed door session, they completed their registration as NDC members, signalling the start of a new opposition bloc ahead of 2027.
Speaking at the event, Kwankwaso said their decision to join the NDC was based on shared ideology and a common vision for rebuilding Nigeria. He highlighted areas such as education, youth empowerment, security and national unity as key points of alignment between their camp and the party’s agenda.
Obi, in his remarks, said the move was driven by the urgent need to build a credible political alternative capable of tackling Nigeria’s deepening social and economic problems. He stressed that the alliance would focus on national unity, economic recovery, investment in education and healthcare, and lifting citizens out of poverty.
Both men used the occasion to call for litigation free politics within Nigerian parties. Obi warned that constant internal court cases weaken democracy, distract parties from their core mission and damage the credibility of opposition platforms. He appealed to party members and even the judiciary to help reduce unnecessary legal battles over leadership and primaries.
Their comments are seen as a direct reference to the internal crises and leadership disputes that rocked the ADC and other parties in recent years. Supporters of the new alliance say joining the NDC offers a fresh start on a less polarised platform, with room to structure a broad based movement ahead of 2027.
Analysts believe the formal entry of Obi and Kwankwaso into the NDC will significantly reshape the opposition landscape, especially if the party can attract more allies and build strong structures nationwide. However, they note that success will depend on how well the party manages internal ambitions, funding and organisation in the run up to the elections.
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