ABUJA: Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in a move that signals a fresh wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Their entry into the party was revealed in a video circulating on Sunday, showing both leaders being presented with official membership cards during a registration exercise.
In the footage, Kwankwaso was first handed his membership card, followed by Obi, marking what appears to be their formal integration into the emerging political platform.
The development came shortly after both politicians held a high-level closed-door meeting with NDC leaders at the Abuja residence of the party’s National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.
Read also:
The meeting, held in Guzape, is believed to be part of broader consultations aimed at forging a strong opposition coalition capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027.
Sources familiar with the gathering indicated that discussions centered on alliance-building, party structure consolidation, and strategic positioning ahead of the elections
Obi and Kwankwaso reportedly arrived at the venue around 5:18 p.m., where they were received by enthusiastic supporters, particularly members of the Obi-Kwankwaso movement.
Chants of O-K is okay echoed through the as the দুই politicians were ushered into the residence, underscoring grassroots excitement around the potential alliance.
Kwankwaso appeared in his trademark white babanriga paired with the red-and-white Kwankwasiyya cap, while Obi opted for a black kaftan and matching cap.
The move comes amid growing speculation about the formation of a new political coalition involving key opposition figures dissatisfied with existing party structures.
Earlier, Buba Galadima, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party, had hinted during a stakeholders’ meeting that two prominent political figures were set to unveil a new platform.
Sunday’s development appears to confirm those indications, positioning the NDC as a potential rallying point for opposition forces.
The defection of Obi and Kwankwaso—both influential political figures with strong regional support bases—could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
Analysts suggest their alignment under a single platform may boost efforts to build a united фронт against the ruling All Progressives Congress, particularly if other aggrieved politicians join the coalition.
The move also follows Obi’s earlier resignation from the African Democratic Congress, highlighting the fluid and rapidly evolving nature of political alliances ahead of the next electoral cycle.
While the symbolic presentation of membership cards suggests formal affiliation, it remains unclear how the emerging coalition will be structured or whether additional mergers or alliances are imminent.
Political observers say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the NDC evolves into a formidable third force or becomes part of a broader opposition merger.
For now, the Obi-Kwankwaso alignment marks one of the most significant developments in Nigeria’s pre-2027 political recalibration
