Hours after Peter Obi joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the Obidient Movement has declared a decisive shift in its political direction, aligning fully with the party as the next platform for advancing its reform agenda. The National Coordinator of the Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, described the transition as both strategic and necessary, stating that the moment demands more than fragmented efforts. He urged members across the country and in the Diaspora to immediately begin registration into the NDC at ward levels, adding that a digital registration portal has also been activated to ensure accessibility and ease of participation for all supporters.
NDC Leader Defends Registration
The National Leader of NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, defended the party’s registration, dismissing allegations of irregularities and urging Nigerians to ignore what he described as propaganda. In a post on X yesterday, Dickson said the party’s formation was the result of a long-standing process dating back to 2017, contrary to claims that it was recently granted recognition without due process. He added that the party revisited and updated its application when INEC resumed registration of political associations.
Allegations of Irregularities
Dickson’s comments came amid controversy triggered by allegations from the convener of League of Northern Democrats (LND) and promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Umar Ardo, who accused the electoral body of unlawfully registering the NDC in violation of constitutional provisions and its own guidelines. Ardo claimed that while his group and others met all requirements for registration, they were ignored, whereas the NDC was allegedly recognised under questionable circumstances. However, Dickson rejected the claims, insisting that the party followed due process and warning that misinformation should not distract from its objectives.
ADC and Atiku’s Allies Deny Defection Talks
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have denied reports of defection talks with NDC, amid claims of ongoing contacts and a possible midweek announcement. Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, said there were no such talks involving his principal and former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola. Within the party, officials also rejected the claims, saying there were no discussions linking its key figures to the NDC. ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the report as, “100 per cent rubbish.”
The move by Obi followed his exit from ADC, a step driven by the need for a more stable, credible and purpose-driven political structure. His subsequent registration into the NDC alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso signals the emergence of a broader alliance poised to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape. Tanko stressed that the moment requires consolidation under a platform capable of translating public aspirations into governance reality.
