Fresh indications emerged yesterday that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be preparing to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for a new political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, hinted at the development during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement held in Abuja. Galadima disclosed that both opposition leaders would unveil the political platform on Monday, although he stopped short of naming the party.
However, sources close to the former governors told Sunday Telegraph that Obi and Kwankwaso were finalising arrangements to align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a newly floated political platform reportedly associated with former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.
A source within the opposition bloc, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said meetings had already been held with leaders of the proposed platform. “Both Obi, Kwankwaso and their loyalists have been engaging with Senator Dickson and the NDC leadership over the new arrangement,” the source said.
According to him, the move became necessary after concerns that the ADC coalition was being driven mainly by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambition. “We don’t want a repeat of what happened in the PDP. There were fears that the coalition was being tailored towards Atiku’s ambition.
That is why the decision was taken to pursue a different platform,” the source added. Speaking at the gathering, Galadima urged supporters of the opposition leaders to prepare for what he described as attacks from political opponents once the announcement is made.
“As from Monday, when our leaders declare the platform they will run on, there will be coordinated attacks through columnists and social media influencers. Those of you active online and in the media must be prepared to respond,” he said.
The NNPP chieftain also alleged that opposition parties and leaders had come under sustained pressure and suppression, claiming that several opposition platforms had been weakened ahead of the 2027 polls.
Meanwhile, a prominent member of the Obedient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, said he could not independently confirm the planned defection of Obi and Kwankwaso from the ADC. Also speaking at the meeting, businessman, Isaac Fayose, expressed support for an Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, describing it as a strong political alternative capable of reshaping the 2027 contest.
Activist, Aisha Yesufu, on her part, called for national unity, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic and regional divisions. “We must become a nation that works for everyone. Nigerians should stop seeing themselves through ethnic lines and unite for the future of the country,” she said.
