In a significant political shift, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who were among the leading opposition figures in the 2023 presidential race, have defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), poised to reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
The duo, who previously ranked third and fourth respectively, brings substantial grassroots support to the NDC. Obi, a former governor with strong appeal among young voters in the southeastern states, and Kwankwaso, another former governor with considerable influence in the north, are set to bolster the NDC’s ranks. This move contrasts sharply with their previous alliance with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in the ADC, which was characterized by internal disputes over party leadership.
Despite concerns that the new alliance could fragment the opposition, its supporters argue that the NDC offers a more focused platform for opposition unity.
However, political analysts remain cautious, noting the potential for increased fragmentation within the ranks of the opposition.
The defection to the NDC follows a tumultuous period for the trio, who found themselves embroiled in legal battles with the government just nine months after joining the ADC. Obi attributed the internal strife to the government’s interference, prompting the shift to the NDC in a bid to avoid such conflicts and concentrate on building a robust opposition against the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Bola Tinubu’s ruling party. Political analyst Bala Yusuf told the BBC that the NDC’s potential ticket with Obi and Kwankwaso could pose a significant challenge to the APC. “.
If the NDC fields Obi as its presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as vice — president, they will definitely give the ruling APC a run for their money at the polls, “he stated.
While the presidency downplayed the significance of the defections, characterizing them as part of the “normal fluidity of democratic politics, “the move is likely to have long-term implications for Nigeria’s political future as the country prepares for its next general elections.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
