Many top leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, are weighing a potential move to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as internal uncertainties mount ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources close to Obi cited growing dissatisfaction with the ADC’s internal structure, ongoing leadership litigations, and concerns that the party is skewed to favour a particular aspirant without zoning the presidential ticket to the South.
A source familiar with the discussions said Obi has been consulting stakeholders and concluded that the ADC may not provide a credible and formidable platform.
“All things being equal, in a couple of days—between now and next week, he is expected to dump the ADC for the NDC. It will be a massive move, and all his supporters are also expected to move with him,” the source added. Another aide confirmed that Obi is expected to make his intentions known soon.
The move follows a Supreme Court judgment on Thursday that vacated an earlier injunction removing David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC.
However, the court referred the substantive leadership dispute back to the Federal High Court, leaving lingering uncertainties that could disrupt the party close to the election cycle.
Broader Coalition Concerns
Other ADC chieftains and coalition partners, including figures linked to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), expressed similar fears, describing the judgment as merely “postponing the evil day.”
They worry that prolonged litigation and alleged external interference could undermine the opposition’s chances against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The NDC has actively courted opposition heavyweights. Its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, confirmed ongoing discussions with Obi and former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stating the party is willing to offer them the presidential ticket and welcoming them to join.
Related DefectionIn a related development, former Adamawa State governorship candidate Senator Aishatu Binani formally joined the NDC on Friday, just nine months after leaving the APC for the ADC.
She cited the NDC’s commitment to structured, policy-driven governance and the preference of her political base.
NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson welcomed Binani and extended an open invitation to other dissatisfied political leaders, emphasising the party’s inclusivity and readiness to serve as a strong alternative platform.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, however, dismissed reports of an impending mass defection, saying he was unaware of any such moves by coalition leaders.
Obidient Movement National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko declined to confirm or deny the reports but reaffirmed that Peter Obi remains committed to contesting the 2027 presidential election on a viable platform.
This unfolding realignment highlights the fluid and dynamic nature of Nigeria’s opposition politics as major stakeholders position themselves for the next electoral cycle.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com