Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi are expected to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week, according to the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson of the movement, disclosed that the decision followed a unanimous endorsement by key stakeholders after extensive consultations.
He said negotiations with the NDC had reached about 90 per cent, with only minor issues left unresolved, adding that both Kwankwaso and Obi, along with their allies, are likely to formalise their move on Monday or Tuesday.
“I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said.
He revealed that representatives from all 44 local government areas of Kano State met at Kwankwaso’s residence on Friday to deliberate on the political direction, ultimately agreeing to adopt the NDC as their new platform.
According to him, the lingering leadership crisis within the ADC played a major role in the decision to leave the party.
The Supreme Court had recently nullified a status quo order in the ADC leadership dispute and returned the case to the Federal High Court, effectively prolonging uncertainty over the party’s structure.
Mohammed said the ruling reinforced concerns about instability within the party, noting that ongoing litigation and the possibility of further appeals could delay resolution.
“If you look at the case referred back to the lower court, it might take time. There could even be another appeal. It does not look feasible to stay there,” he said.
He added that stakeholders considered both the NDC and the Peoples Redemption Party before settling on the NDC as a more stable platform.
The spokesperson also cited the approaching deadline for submission of party membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission as a factor influencing the urgency of the decision.
He described the legal and political situation within the ADC as too uncertain for the movement to continue.
Meanwhile, Obi’s absence from recent ADC activities has further fuelled speculation about his imminent exit.
Since the opposition leaders’ summit in Ibadan last month, the former Labour Party presidential candidate has not attended subsequent ADC meetings, reportedly due to disagreements over zoning arrangements.
Obi has consistently advocated for zoning of the presidential ticket, arguing that failure to address power rotation undermines unity and trust within the coalition.
In April, supporters of both politicians launched the “OK Movement” to mobilise support for a possible joint ticket ahead of future elections, with leaders of the group claiming the initiative had the backing of both Obi and Kwankwaso.