Obi, Kwankwaso set to exit ADC as opposition realignment gathers pace

A fresh political realignment may be underway ahead of the 2027 elections, with indications that Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso are set to leave the African Democratic Congress and announce a new political platform.

This was disclosed on Saturday by Buba Galadima, a senior figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party, during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja, where he hinted that both leaders would make their next political move public on Monday.

Although Galadima did not name the platform, sources close to the former governors said they were finalising arrangements to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, a party reportedly linked to former Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson. A source familiar with the discussions said both leaders and their allies had been engaged in meetings over the past two days, completing documentation and aligning structures ahead of the announcement.

The planned move follows growing uncertainty within opposition ranks, particularly after internal developments within the ADC raised concerns among key stakeholders about the direction of the party. According to the source, the decision to leave was driven by a desire to avoid a repeat of past political arrangements that were seen as serving narrow ambitions rather than a broader coalition.

Speaking at the meeting, Galadima warned supporters to prepare for possible backlash once the announcement is made, noting that political opponents may deploy both traditional and social media campaigns to discredit the new platform. He urged supporters, especially those active online, to respond strategically and avoid initiating attacks, but to be ready to defend their leaders when necessary.

He also alleged that opposition figures have faced sustained pressure, including public criticism and institutional challenges, which he said have weakened several parties such as the SDP, PDP, ADC, NDP and PRP. According to him, these developments point to a broader effort to reshape the political landscape ahead of the next general election.

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At the gathering, businessman Isaac Fayose expressed support for the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, describing it as a viable alternative with growing backing across several states, although these claims remain unverified. Activist Aisha Yesufu also addressed the meeting, calling for unity across ethnic and regional lines and urging Nigerians to prioritise national cohesion over division.

If confirmed, the planned defection would mark another significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics, with both Obi and Kwankwaso expected to play central roles in shaping the emerging coalition ahead of 2027.