By Emmanuel Thomas
ABUJA – In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political establishment, the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, and the former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have officially joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The duo, who were the presidential candidates for the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) respectively in the 2023 general elections, were sighted at the NDC national headquarters in Abuja on Monday morning, where they formally collected their membership cards.
The ceremony, presided over by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, marks the end of months of speculation regarding a potential “mega-party” coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 polls.
The Move to the “Third Force”
Speaking shortly after receiving his membership card, Mr. Peter Obi described the move as a “necessary sacrifice” for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.
”Our journey has always been about the people. Today, we are consolidating our efforts under a unified platform that prioritizes competence, character, and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from its current economic doldrums,” Obi stated.
On his part, Senator Kwankwaso, accompanied by high-ranking members of his Kwankwasiyya movement, emphasized that the NDC represents a truly nationalistic platform.
”We are here because we believe in a project that transcends regional sentiments. The NDC is the vehicle that will drive the change Nigerians have been yearning for,” Kwankwaso noted.
The defection of Obi and Kwankwaso follows a period of intense internal friction within their former parties.
Peter Obi: Following the 2023 elections, Obi’s relationship with the Labour Party leadership became strained due to protracted legal battles over the party’s national chairmanship. He had briefly moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2025 as a temporary measure while exploring coalition options.
Rabiu Kwankwaso: Despite his strong hold on Kano politics through the NNPP, Kwankwaso has been a central figure in “merger or bust” discussions since early 2025. His move to the NDC is seen as a strategic pivot to secure a broader Southern-Northern electoral bridge.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which recently secured its legal footing via a court order, has positioned itself as the primary alternative to the APC and the PDP. With two of Nigeria’s most influential “Third Force” leaders now officially on its roster, political analysts suggest the 2027 presidential race has effectively been narrowed down to a three-horse race.
The ruling APC has yet to issue an official statement regarding this development, but sources within the Presidency indicate that the party is “monitoring the realignment closely.”
