By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has appealed to Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso—key figures in the African Democratic Congress to defect to its platform and contest the 2027 presidential election, offering them its ticket ahead of a looming primary deadline.
In a post on X, the party indicated urgency, stating: “All we need right now. Just all we need. 2 weeks to deadline,” alongside an image of Obi and Kwankwaso shaking hands captioned “Nigeria will be OK.”
The move follows the recent launch of the “OK Movement” by supporters of both politicians, aimed at mobilising backing for a potential joint ticket. The initiative has already begun forming national, zonal, and state structures, signaling growing grassroots coordination around the alliance.
The appeal also comes amid internal turmoil within the African Democratic Congress, where a leadership dispute threatens the party’s readiness for the 2027 polls. The crisis is currently before the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which recently reserved judgment in an appeal involving factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed May 30, 2026, as the deadline for submission of party membership registers and nomination of candidates. Opposition parties—including factions of the ADC, Peoples Democratic Party, and New Nigeria Peoples Party—have criticised the timetable, urging an extension to allow adequate preparation.
The NDC’s overture could reshape opposition dynamics if accepted, potentially consolidating support bases across regions and presenting a formidable challenge to the ruling establishment in 2027. However, it also risks deepening fragmentation if competing platforms continue to court the same political heavyweights amid unresolved party disputes.
Source: TheCable
