By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The Kwankwasiyya movement has revealed that Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi are expected to defect to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week, following what it described as near-concluded negotiations and a unanimous endorsement by stakeholders.
Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson of the movement, told TheCable that talks with the NDC are “about 90 percent” complete, with only minor issues left unresolved. He added that both politicians could formalise their move as early as Monday or Tuesday.
“I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said.
According to him, representatives from all 44 local government areas in Kano met at Kwankwaso’s residence and “unanimously gave him the go-ahead” to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing uncertainty within the party.
At the centre of the planned defection is the lingering leadership crisis rocking the ADC. The situation worsened after the Supreme Court of Nigeria nullified a previous status quo order and sent the dispute back to a lower court, effectively prolonging the legal battle.
Mohammed said the ruling reinforced fears about instability in the party, warning that prolonged litigation and possible appeals could drag on without resolution. “If you look at the case referred back to the lower court, it might take time… It does not look feasible to stay there,” he said, adding that remaining in the ADC “would amount to waiting for Godot.”
He noted that the movement also considered the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) but eventually settled for the NDC as a more stable platform ahead of electoral deadlines, including submission of party membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obi’s absence from recent ADC activities has further fuelled speculation. Since the opposition summit in Ibadan, the former Anambra governor has reportedly stayed away from party meetings, amid dissatisfaction over unresolved zoning arrangements — a key issue he has consistently pushed as critical to equity and trust within any coalition.
The development follows the recent launch of the “OK Movement” by supporters of both men to mobilise backing for a joint presidential ticket in 2027 — an initiative insiders say has their approval.
If confirmed, the defection could
significantly reshape opposition politics in Nigeria, potentially consolidating forces outside the ruling party while weakening the ADC’s coalition ambitions. It may also trigger fresh realignments as other political actors reassess their positions ahead of the next general election cycle.
