Nigeria’s political landscape shifted significantly, Sunday, as former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, formally declared for Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marking a decisive step towards their anticipated presidential bid ahead of the 2027 general election.
Their declaration followed a marathon closed-door meeting with the leadership of the party at the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson.
The meeting, which lasted several hours, culminated in their official registration as members of the fast-growing political platform.
The move ended weeks of speculation surrounding the political future of both men after their recent exit from African Democratic Congress (ADC), where internal crisis and protracted leadership disputes had weakened cohesion and cast doubts on the party’s readiness for the next electoral cycle.
Addressing party faithful and supporters shortly after their formal declaration, Kwankwaso said their decision to join NDC was driven by shared ideological alignment and a collective resolve to reposition Nigeria.
He said, “We came here to consult with the leadership of this party on our ideology, our blueprint and what we believe in. We discovered that we are on the same page, particularly in the areas of education, youth empowerment, security and national unity.”
He described NDC as a credible platform capable of mobilising Nigerians across regions and demographics, urging citizens, including those in the diaspora, to register with the party ahead of the close of its membership window.
“At this point, we call on all Nigerians, who believe in peace and progress to join us. Nigeria will be okay,” he added.
Obi, in his remarks, said the decision to align with NDC was born out of the urgent need to build a functional political alternative capable of addressing Nigeria’s deepening socio-economic challenges.
He emphasised that the new alliance would prioritise national unity, economic recovery, and inclusive governance.
He stated, “We are here to be part of a family that is committed to building a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria that works for everyone. We want to move the country forward by investing in education, healthcare and lifting people out of poverty.”
He used the occasion to caution against the culture of internal litigation that had plagued political parties in the country, warning that such disputes undermine democratic development and weaken opposition strength.
“We are pleading with all stakeholders—party members and even the judiciary—to help reduce unnecessary litigation in political parties. We want to focus on building a viable platform, not on endless court cases,” he said.
Obi also alluded to the crisis that trailed their previous political engagements, stating that recurring disputes and external interference have disrupted party stability and forced their eventual exit from ADC.
Their entry into NDC was warmly received by party leaders, who described the development as a major turning point for the relatively young political organisation.
Welcoming the new entrants, Dickson said the party was prepared to harness the experience and nationwide appeal of both leaders to build a formidable political movement.
He said, “We welcome you to one of the fastest-growing political families in Nigeria. This is a party for the youth, for women and for all Nigerians who seek a new direction.”
Former Adamawa State governorship candidate, Aishat Dahiru Binani, described Obi and Kwankwaso as influential figures whose presence would energise the party’s support base, particularly among young people and women.
“Our party stands for fairness, equity and justice. With leaders of this calibre joining us, we are confident of success in the journey ahead,” Binani said.
In his closing remarks, NDC National Chairman, Moses Cleopas, likened the party to “Noah’s Ark” poised to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges.
Cleopas urged supporters across the country to seize the opportunity of the ongoing membership registration to align with the party.
Obi Exits ADC Amid Alleged Toxic Political Environment
Presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi, Sunday, announced his decision to leave African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a “toxic” political environment and recurring internal crisis allegedly fuelled by external interference.
Obi, who joined ADC in March 2026, disclosed his exit in a social media post, amid speculation of fresh political alignments ahead of the 2027 polls.
In a personal statement released Sunday on X, Obi said his decision followed minutes of “deep reflection”, stating that many Nigerians, especially public servants, endure “silent pains” and “private struggles” while trying to serve with sincerity.
He stressed that his exit from the party was not due to personal grievances with key political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ADC National Chairman, David Mark.
But the presidency reacted to Obi’s exit from the ADC, describing him as a “political nomad” prone to opportunistic shifts, even as it dismissed his reason for quitting as illogical musings.
At the same time, All Progressives Congress (APC) criticised Obi for resigning from ADC, describing him as a “political rolling stone,” moving across political parties in search of an uncontested presidential ticket.
Nevertheless, a chieftain of ADC and former Director-General of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Mallam Salihu Lukman, had written an open letter to former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, warning that his attempt to dump ADC “will simply diminish you as someone who is self-centred” and inconsiderate of the stark harsh realities facing Nigerians.
However, speaking on his exit from the ADC, Obi said, “Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily, the private struggles, emotional burdens, and quiet battles we face while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult circumstances.
”We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people—a society where intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal.”
He described the current socio-political climate as hostile, where “intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal,” adding that even allies sometimes contributed to the pressure.
According to him, “More painful is when some of those you associate with become part of the pressure you face. Some who publicly identify with you, privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism.”
The former Anambra State governor stressed that his exit from the party was not due to personal grievances with key political figures.
He stated, “Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar did anything personally wrong to me.”
Obi accused “the Nigerian state and its agents” of replicating destabilising patterns previously experienced within the Labour Party, which he said forced his earlier exit.
He said, “The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division.”
He further lamented what he described as a culture that misinterpreted virtues, such as humility and integrity, saying, “We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as a lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness.
”Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home. You and your team become easy targets for every failure, frustration, or misunderstanding, as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated.
”And when you choose to leave so that those you are leaving can have peace, and you step out into the cold, you are still maligned and your character is questioned.
“Despite all your efforts to continue working for a better Nigeria and engaging people with sincerity and goodwill, those who do not wish you well continue to attack your character and question your intentions.”
Obi stressed, ”There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued?
“Why is the prudent management of resources, especially when invested in critical areas like education and healthcare, wrongly labelled as stinginess? Why are humility and obedience to the rule of law often taken to be weakness rather than discipline?”
Obi maintained that his political ambition was driven not by personal gain but by a desire to improve the country’s condition.
He said, “Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be president, vice president, or senate president. I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes.”
Reaffirming his commitment to national development, Obi expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future.
“Yet, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all,” he added.
He said he woke up Sunday’s morning after his church service with a deeply reflective heart, and despite every constraint, ”I felt compelled to share these thoughts with you.
”Personally, I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them. I have never used privilege, position, or resources to oppress others, intimidate the weak, or make people feel small. To me, leadership has always been about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise.”
Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Sunday Aborisade and Sunday Ehigiator
