Report: Kwankwaso, Obi Set to Dump ADC for NDC Next Week

Strong indications have emerged that former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, may be on the verge of joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as early as next week, following internal consultations within the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The disclosure was made to TheCable by the movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, who said the planned defection followed what he described as a unanimous decision by stakeholders after extensive deliberations.

According to him, negotiations with the NDC have reached an advanced stage, leaving only minor details to be finalised. He added that both Kwankwaso and Obi, alongside other political actors, are expected to formally make the switch early in the week.

“I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said, noting that the move was backed by key figures across Kano State.

He explained that representatives from all 44 local government areas in Kano met at Kwankwaso’s residence on Friday afternoon, where they reviewed available political options before arriving at a consensus.

“The stakeholders have unanimously given him the go-ahead to move to the NDC,” he stated, adding that Kwankwaso is currently in Kano but is expected to return to Abuja ahead of the planned announcement.

Findings indicate that the decision is closely tied to the lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which has continued to generate uncertainty among party members.

The situation was further complicated by a recent ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which set aside an earlier order in the dispute and sent the matter back to the Federal High Court for determination, effectively prolonging the legal battle.

Mohammed said the development reinforced concerns among stakeholders about the stability of the platform. “If you look at the case referred back to the lower court, it might take time. There could even be another appeal to the supreme court. It does not look feasible to stay there,” he said.

He added that the group considered alternative platforms, including the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), but eventually settled for the NDC as a more viable option free from protracted internal disputes.

The spokesperson also cited multiple pending cases against the ADC at the Federal High Court, describing the legal environment as uncertain, especially with timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for submission of party membership registers fast approaching.

“Staying in ADC at this stage would amount to waiting for Godot,” he remarked, suggesting that delays in resolving the crisis could hinder political preparations ahead of the next election cycle.

Beyond legal concerns, internal disagreements within the ADC were also said to have influenced the decision, particularly over the absence of consensus on key issues such as zoning arrangements.

Sources noted that Obi has distanced himself from recent ADC activities following a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan, where discussions on zoning reportedly failed to meet expectations.

The former Anambra governor has consistently advocated for equitable power rotation, warning that the absence of clear zoning principles could weaken trust within any political coalition.

The planned defection is also seen as a boost to ongoing efforts by supporters of both leaders, who recently launched a joint mobilisation platform aimed at promoting a possible alliance ahead of future elections.

If confirmed, the move is expected to reshape opposition dynamics and strengthen the NDC’s push to emerge as a credible alternative platform on the national stage.

Source: TheCable