Obi, Kwankwaso set to join NDC next week 

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has disclosed that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi are set to defect to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week, following what it described as a unanimous decision by key stakeholders.

Spokesperson of the movement, Habibu Mohammed, who disclosed this to TheCable, an online newspaper, said the decision was reached after extensive consultations across Kano State, with representatives from all 44 local government areas endorsing the move.

According to him, negotiations with the NDC are “about 90 per cent complete,” with only minor issues left unresolved. He added that both Kwankwaso and Obi, along with other political figures, are expected to formalise their defection early in the week.

“The stakeholders have unanimously given him the go-ahead to move to the NDC,” Mohammed said, noting that Kwankwaso is currently in Kano and expected in Abuja ahead of the planned switch.

ADC crisis drives exit

The planned defection is largely linked two factors, one is the ambition of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar who has insisted on running, and is believed to hold the African Democratic Congress (ADC) structure, the other is  the lingering leadership crisis within the ADC, which has created uncertainty within the party.

The situation was further complicated by a recent ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which set aside a previous order in the leadership dispute and returned the matter to the Federal High Court for fresh determination.

Mohammed said the development reinforced fears among stakeholders that the crisis could drag on and undermine the party’s readiness for future elections.

“If you look at the case referred back to the lower court, it might take time. There could even be another appeal. It does not look feasible to remain there,” he said.

He added that three separate cases are still pending against the ADC at the Federal High Court, describing the party’s legal situation as “too uncertain” for a serious political platform.

The movement also cited the approaching deadline for submission of party membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission as a critical factor influencing the decision.

According to Mohammed, remaining in the ADC under the current circumstances would amount to political delay and uncertainty.

“Staying in ADC at this stage would amount to waiting endlessly,” he said, noting that both the NDC and the Peoples Redemption Party were considered before settling for the NDC.

Meanwhile, signs of internal strain within the ADC have become more evident in recent weeks. Business Hallmark had reported that Obi’s absence from an emergency meeting of the party in Abuja, convened after the court ruling, triggered tension among party leaders.

The former Anambra governor has also kept a low profile within the party since the opposition leaders’ summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where disagreements reportedly emerged over zoning arrangements.

Obi has consistently advocated for zoning of the presidential ticket, arguing that failure to address issues of equity and power rotation could weaken trust within the coalition.

Joint ticket talks gain traction

In April, supporters of both leaders launched the “OK Movement” to mobilise support for a possible joint ticket featuring Obi and Kwankwaso in the next general election.

Sources within the movement said both politicians had given their backing to the initiative, further fuelling speculation about a broader political realignment ahead of the polls.

With negotiations nearing completion, political observers say the anticipated defection could reshape opposition dynamics in the lead-up to the next election cycle.