May 3, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
Nigeria’s political landscape witnessed a dramatic shift on Sunday as former presidential candidates and officially defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The two political heavyweights, accompanied by a large number of National Assembly members, arrived at the NDC National Secretariat in Abuja to formalise their entry into the party, signaling a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Their move came just hours after Obi publicly announced his resignation from the ADC, citing deep-rooted structural challenges and internal instability within the party.
Kwankwaso, who had earlier raised concerns about legal threats facing the ADC, confirmed that both leaders reached a joint decision to abandon what he described as an increasingly “precarious” political platform.
Before proceeding to the party secretariat, Obi and Kwankwaso led a massive entourage of supporters to the Abuja residence of . Following closed-door talks, the group moved to the secretariat where they were formally received into the party.
Sources within the party indicate that the defection may have already reshaped the NDC’s 2027 presidential ticket, with Obi tipped to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate, while Kwankwaso is expected to serve as his running mate.
The development has reportedly crippled the ADC’s structure, especially within the National Assembly, as a significant number of federal lawmakers have defected alongside the duo.
Among key figures driving the legislative shift is Senator Victor Umeh, who is expected to coordinate the movement of South-East lawmakers into the NDC. Other political actors, including Nasiru Gawuna and Aminu Gwarzo, are also said to be joining the party.
The wave of defections cuts across politicians originally affiliated with the Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), further consolidating the NDC as a growing opposition force.
The crisis within the ADC has been linked to prolonged legal battles and internal divisions. Kwankwaso had earlier warned about a looming threat to the party’s existence, including moves that could lead to its deregistration.
Although the party’s leadership previously dismissed such concerns, the exit of its most prominent figures and a large portion of its legislative base marks a significant setback for its 2027 ambitions.
With this latest development, the NDC is rapidly emerging as a central platform for opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general elections.
Political observers say the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance could redefine Nigeria’s opposition politics, setting the stage for a highly competitive 2027 race.
— SUNTV Global Channel
