NDC Clarifies Position as Obi, Kwankwaso Defection Rumours Spread

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved to clarify its position following media reports suggesting that prominent opposition figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were on the verge of defecting to the party.

The clarification comes on the heels of an earlier media report which had sparked widespread political discussion after quoting party officials as suggesting possible high-profile defections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, the NDC said recent interpretations of his comments were exaggerated and removed from context.

He explained that his earlier response during a phone-in interview with a print journalist was speculative in nature and not a confirmation of any concluded political movement.

“My recent response… dwelt more on the realm of probability rather than certainty,” Abdulsalam said, stressing that it was important for media reports to reflect the exact context of remarks made during interviews.

He added that while the party welcomes public interest in its activities, it would not support narratives that suggest certainty where none exists.

The spokesperson also used the opportunity to restate the party’s position on defections, insisting that the NDC does not compel or pressure any politician to join its platform.

“We do not foreclose nor coerce the defection scenarios to favour our party as we believe politicians are free to move to any party of their choosing,” he stated.

According to him, the party’s approach has consistently been to keep its doors open to politicians across the political spectrum who are willing to align with its ideology and reform agenda.

He described the party’s outreach efforts as part of what it terms a “Noah’s Ark” concept, designed to accommodate political actors seeking a fresh platform to contribute to national development.

Abdulsalam further disclosed that engagements with political stakeholders across various parties, including members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are ongoing, though no formal defection agreements have been concluded.

He maintained that discussions around political alliances and possible realignments remain part of broader consultations among opposition figures ahead of the next election cycle.

“The hierarchy of the NDC shall continue to keep the doors of the party open for whoever wants to come into the party’s fold to salvage the nation,” he added.

The party emphasised that while political conversations may be ongoing, any decision to defect ultimately rests with individual politicians, and should not be misrepresented as being orchestrated or finalised.

The clarification is seen as an attempt to manage rising political speculation and media interpretation as parties begin early positioning for the 2027 elections, amid ongoing debates over possible opposition coalitions and realignments.