Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano, have officially joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 elections. The opposition leaders urged members to avoid litigation and focus on advancing the nation's development.
The two political heavyweights made the call on Sunday, May 3, in Abuja during their formal reception into the party, amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, Kwankwaso Ignite Wave of Defections
Apart from Obi and Kwankwaso, the NDC recorded a wave of high-profile defections over the weekend as prominent politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) formally joined its ranks.
Among the defectors are Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, a former member of the House of Representatives and ex-board member of the Code of Conduct Bureau, who resigned from the APC; Babatunde Alli, former Deputy National Chairman of the PRP; and Mohammed Sani Yahaya, the NNPP's 2023 governorship candidate in Taraba State. They moved to the NDC alongside thousands of supporters and established political structures.
Speaking at the reception in Abuja, Agbonayinma expressed concern over Nigeria's current state, describing the NDC as a credible platform for national renewal. He stated: "Nigeria is bleeding and searching for direction. What we were promised as 'Renewed Hope' has, for many Nigerians, turned into renewed hopelessness. We must confront corruption and rebuild trust in governance."
Alli attributed his exit from the PRP to internal party challenges, stressing the need for inclusivity, youth participation, and fairness in political processes. He said: "The emergence of the NDC has given me renewed hope that politics can be done differently."
Yahaya pledged grassroots mobilisation for the party, declaring total support from his political base in Taraba State. He stated: "At all levels, we are joining the NDC fully. We have built a structure already, and we are committed to strengthening the party ahead of 2027."
NDC Leadership Welcomes Defectors
Welcoming the defectors, NDC national leader Seriake Dickson described their decision as a sign of growing confidence in the party's vision for inclusive governance and national transformation. He highlighted the party's commitment to rebuilding trust and addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.
The mass defections signal a significant political shift as the 2027 elections approach. The NDC is positioning itself as a viable alternative to the ruling APC, with Obi and Kwankwaso at the forefront of a movement aimed at fostering inclusive governance and grassroots mobilisation.
Earlier, Primate Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church warned that if Obi officially leaves the ADC, he may fail politically. However, Obi's move to the NDC is seen as a strategic alignment to consolidate opposition forces.
