The defection of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, and the former presidential flagbearer of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has created a fresh twist to the 2027 general elections race.

The two former governors yesterday met with the NDC leader and former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, and after long hours of deliberations, were presented with membership cards of the party.

A video footage from the event showed the two leaders actively participating in the registration process with Kwankwaso being presented with his membership card, after which Obi received his.

Few hours after Obi left the ADC, he was seen with Kwankwaso at the Guzape residence of the leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson in Abuja. They arrived at about 5:14 p.m. and went into a closed-door meeting with the former Bayelsa State governor.

The duo had been talking with the leaders of the NDC and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) since the crisis in the ADC began.

They were said to have made up their minds to move immediately after the Supreme Court judgment of last week which remitted the leadership tussle in the ADC to the trial court though it recognized the David Mark leadership.

Our correspondents, however, gathered that the duo settled for NDC given that the party is new and to avoid similar problems they faced in the ADC, where Nafiu Bala Gombe is claiming to be the national chairman of the party, thereby factionalizing the party to the extent that the court did not recognize its national convention.

Our correspondents report that as the two leaders were considering the PRP faction, a group came up last week to claim leadership of the party. This was said to have created fears that there might be some unresolved leadership issues there.

Obi and Kwankwaso are believed to be planning to run a joint ticket which led to the formation of the group known as the OK Movement.

Why they left ADC

Daily Trust’s findings revealed that while they were in the ADC, there were internal wrangling within the party that made it uncomfortable for the duo to continue in the party.

Obi and Kwankwaso had joined the ADC after it was formed in what was seen as a coalition of opposition forces to challenge the All Progressives Congress in 2027.

Less than four days after the Supreme Court recognised the leadership of Senator David Mark but ordered the party to return to the trial court, two of the leading presidential hopefuls have made it clear that their hopes do not lie with the ADC.

Daily Trust reliably gathered that Obi and Kwankwaso were not comfortable with the ADC’s silence over zoning the presidential ticket while continuing as if that does not matter.

Apart from zoning the presidential ticket, the party appears to be comfortable with its image as belonging to one of the presidential aspirants and nothing is being done to correct such an impression.

A source within the party said, “The idea that the ADC was formed by some people and the rest of us are seen as latter-day joiners did not sit well with us.”

Supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) during the welcoming of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and their supporters to the NDC in Abuja yesterday

Obi betrayed this sentiment when he stated that, “even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home. You and your team become easy targets for every failure, frustration, or misunderstanding, as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated.

“And when you choose to leave so that those you are leaving can have peace, and you step out into the cold, you are still maligned and your character is questioned.

“Despite all your efforts to continue working for a better Nigeria and engaging people with sincerity and goodwill, those who do not wish you well continue to attack your character and question your intentions.

“Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily—the private struggles, emotional burdens, and quiet battles we face while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult circumstances.

“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people—a society where intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal.

“More painful is when some of those you associate with, believing you would find understanding and solidarity among them, become part of the pressure you face. Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism.”

One of the sources told our correspondent, “The problem with the party leaders is mainly who gets the party ticket. If you remember, the last interview by the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, he said this is his last short at the Presidency and he is making all efforts to be on the ballot.

“Some of the leaders were hoping to prevail on him to concede the ticket to the South. But he is not backing down. He wants to make sure that he gives his best in the race. If you remember immediately, the Supreme Court delivered judgment on the last election, Atiku started calling for a coalition.”

Another source said, “The problem with the ADC is failure to spell out the rules of engagement. The issue of zoning has also been there; the party has refused to be categorical, it is better for the party to have said this is our position on zoning. We are zoning to the North or the South. But if you are not zoning, then the party should have said so.”

He said the issue of just being silent has come back to hunt the party, adding that, “Atiku wants to be on the ballot because it is his last try and Peter Obi wants to be on the ballot and has promised to do one term, because he knows by 2031, the Presidency will move to the North.”

Our correspondents also found out that there are other external factors, like the current ruling by the Supreme Court.

Though the Supreme Court has asked Senator David Mark leadership to take over and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recognised the party leadership, some party leaders are said to have expressed reservations that going through the process of litigation all over again from the lower court will be a clog in the wheel of progress of the party, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NDC/PRP talks

Reacting in a statement posted on his verified social media handles late Saturday, Kwankwaso said the crisis, which made him and his followers pull out of the NNPP, was now affecting the ADC.

He said as a result of this, he has been consulting widely, admitting that discussions were ongoing with the NDC and PRP.

Kwankwaso asked his supporters to watch out for the next line of action, which he said would be taken soon. He later settled for the NDC.

Kwankwaso also clarified the issue of presidential candidacy in the ADC, emphasising that he had not taken a decision to contest the ticket.

Peter Obi, on his part, stated that his decision to leave the ADC “is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them.

“However, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building.”

NDC: Obi, Kwankwaso’s new destination

The NDC was formally registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in February 2026 via a court order. It was founded by Senator Seriake Dickson, the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Dickson, who currently represents Bayelsa West in the Senate. He resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form the new party.

Senator Dickson, who described the new party as “his baby,” stated that its objective is to offer a credible, disciplined, and democratic platform for Nigerians. During the party’s first National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, Senator Moses Cleopas was appointed National Chairman, and Barrister Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu was appointed National Secretary.

The party has scheduled its maiden National Convention for May 9, 2026, in Abuja. Following its nationwide congresses that began on May 1, 2026, this convention aims to finalize the party’s leadership structures.

With the entry of Obi and Kwankwaso into the NDC, it is obvious that the party would join the big league of majority opposition parties in the country, as the two leaders have strong supporters who are ready to move with them any time they take such decisions.

Our correspondents recall that when they moved o the ADC, lots of federal legislators followed them.

Moving away from Ibadan summit declaration

Majority of opposition leaders across the country had gathered last month at the Oyo State capital to discuss the way forward and how to unseat the present administration.

One of the key decisions they had taken was to present a sole presidential candidate. But with the defection of Obi and Kwankwaso, many say this would not be possible as both the NDC and ADC are bound to produce their presidential candidates.

It was gathered that the summit, which brought together former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governor Rabiu Kwankwaso; former governor of Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi and other leaders, apart from agreeing on presenting one presidential candidate, was silent on zoning.

According to party insiders, even though the opposition leaders were working together, some of the leaders behind the scene were said to have agreed that the party leaders should push for an Atiku and the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde ticket.

The supporters of Peter Obi and Kwankwaso had come up with the “OK” movement earlier, which they hoped would check the plan for an Atiku/Makinde ticket.

Coalition still on course, says Atiku; Presidency taunts Obi

Meanwhile, Atiku’s aide, Paul Ibe, has said the coalition train is still on course, stating that “sadly, some persons have gotten off at what they perceived to be their station.”

“The train keeps moving and picking [up] more passengers along its way. We wish them well. Presently, our preoccupation is working with other stakeholders of the ADC in successfully delivering on the party’s primary election timetable within a short period of time,” he added.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday described Obi as a political nomad following his defection from the ADC.

Onanuga, reacting via his X handle to Obi’s announcement, dismissed the reasons given by the former Anambra State Governor, describing it as “illogical musings”.

Onanuga argued that Obi is running away from contesting for the ADC’s ticket against Atiku and others.

“We told you so. The political nomad is on the move again. Ignore all those puerile reasons he gave in these illogical musings, a self-serving letter to his mob….He always blames the government without doing a soul-searching of himself. Welcome, Peter, to the 2027 race,” he added.

Obi wants free presidential ticket – APC

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, also chided Obi, following his resignation from the ADC.

Morka, in a post shared on X on Sunday, described Obi as a “political rolling stone,” accusing him of moving between parties in search of an easy presidential ticket.

The APC Publicity Secretary wrote, “Peter Obi, a political rolling stone that gathers no moss… roaming again in search of a free, uncontested, unchallenged presidential ticket… never willing to remain to build any party.”

According to Morka, Obi prefers a path to power that does not involve internal party contests.

“He fantasises to be president on a ticket delivered only on a platter of gold… APGA – PDP – LP – ADC on to NDC,” Morka added.

The APC spokesman concluded by describing the former Anambra State governor as political drifter. “Fare thee well, Nigeria’s inconsolable political drifter,” he said.

Defection unfortunate, says ADC chieftain

An ADC chieftain in Katsina, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammed Inuwa, said it is unfortunate that Peter Obi has allowed himself to be guided by personal ambition and not the interest of the people.

He explained that no serious politician would want to lose a member of Obi’s calibre, but in a democracy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, adding that Obi had made a great mistake.

“Obi’s exit will not deter us and will not negatively affect us because people have now understood his true colour. I am truly disappointed in Obi’s, and a lot of people are. This will affect his political career negatively,” he said.

According to a Kano-based political analyst and Director of Society for Educational Development and Socio-Democratic Activities (SEDSAC), Comrade Umar Hamisu Kofar Na’isa, Obi’s exit from ADC is a clear indicator that the opposition is not ready to wrest power from the ruling APC. According to him, the content party shifting by politicians shows that the whole issue is on personal sentiment and not public.

He further revealed that unless and until principles and loyalty to public concern are attained, Nigerian democracy will continue to face the same scenario it is facing now.

He described Peter Obi’s exit as a big setback in the ADC’s plan to face the APC in 2027, stressing that it would only take a miracle for the ADC to recover from it.

“It is indeed a huge setback for the ADC, and it will take a miracle for it to recover. With Kwankwaso also leaving the ADC, then the APC can start celebrating even before the election,” he said.

Na’isa’s view is not uncoordinated with a popular sentiment that Obi, Kwankwaso and Atiku, who contested under separate platforms in 2023, would have defeated Tinubu if they had formed a coalition.

Tinubu polled 8.8 million votes to defeat Atiku, who polled 6,984,520; Obi, who garnered 6,101,533 votes and Kwankwaso, who got 1,476,697 votes.

ADC begins sale of N100m presidential forms, others

Meanwhile, the ADC has released its timetable for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, setting May 25, 2026, for its presidential primary and pegging its nomination form at N100 million.

In a statement issued by Bolaji Abdullahi, the spokesman of the party, the ADC said the timetable outlined guidelines and requirements for the nomination of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing its commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and strict compliance with the Electoral Act.

According to the schedule, the process is already underway, with the collection of application forms running from April 1 to May 4, 2026.

The sale of nomination forms is slated for May 5 to May 10, while submission of completed forms will take place between May 11 and May 13, 2026.

The party said screening of aspirants will be conducted from May 14 to May 15, followed by the publication of screening results on May 17.

Appeals arising from the screening exercise will be heard between May 18 and May 19, while the final list of cleared aspirants is expected on May 20.

Primary elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats are scheduled to be held simultaneously at the ward level on May 21, 2026. Governorship primaries will follow on May 22, with the presidential primary fixed for May 25.

The timetable also provides for a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee on May 26, 2026, and a Special National Convention on May 27, where final ratifications of candidates will be made.

On the cost of participation, the ADC approved a structured fee regime for nomination forms across all elective positions.

While the presidential form is pegged at N100 million, the governorship forms will cost N50 million, the Senate N20 million, the House of Representatives N10 million, and the State House of Assembly N3 million.

The party announced a 50 percent discount for youths, as well as a 25 percent reduction for women and persons with disabilities.

The ADC urged all aspirants, members, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the timetable and guidelines, noting that the party remains committed to providing a credible platform for competent and accountable leadership in the 2027 elections. (Daily Trust)

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