Kwankwaso and Obi Consider Defecting from ADC to Join NDC

Barring a last-minute change of heart, indications are strong that Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate, are set to leave the African Democratic Congress for the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

n

This development comes as Nigeria's opposition space approaches a critical juncture, with the two leaders' moves reportedly driven by intense time pressure and mounting grassroots agitation.

n

According to insiders, the decision is largely finalized, with a formal announcement expected on Monday, although the Nigeria Democratic Congress claims the defection is still under probability.

n

A statement, purportedly signed by Revd Plus Ndubueze Ukachukwu, Chairman of the Kwankwasiya Movement, announced the defection of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, citing the move as being in the best interest of Nigeria and aligning with the goal of meeting citizens' aspirations.

n

The statement also directed all Kwankwasiya Movement members in Anambra State to move to the Nigerian Democratic Congress, underscoring the movement's commitment to delivering good governance and progress for the nation.

n

Reacting to the development on Saturday, the NDC's Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, clarified that the defection of Peter Obi and Musa Kwankwaso from the ADC to the party remains under probability.

n

Abdulsalam explained that his previous response to a journalist's inquiry about the possibility of the duo's defection dwelled on probability rather than certainty, prompting the NDC to restate its policy on defections by dissatisfied politicians.

n

The NDC has been calling on ruling and opposition politicians to join the party, which it describes as the "Noah's Ark" being floated by the National Leader, citing its unique ideologies and policy pillars.

n

The party emphasized that it does not foreclose or coerce defection scenarios, believing that politicians are free to move to any party of their choice, and that discussions with key opposition leaders, including APC politicians, are ongoing.

n

The NDC reiterated that it will keep its doors open for anyone willing to join the party to salvage the nation, and that while discussions have been ongoing, the party has not foreclosed the defections of Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, and others.