Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have officially defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The two opposition figures were presented with their membership cards on Sunday, May 3, 2026, shortly after a closed-door meeting with party leaders, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Kwankwaso, who previously ran under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), were warmly received by party supporters and leaders, including former Bayelsa State governor and NDC national leader, Seriake Dickson.
Their move comes amid ongoing opposition realignments as key political actors reposition themselves for the next election cycle.
Addressing party members and supporters, Obi appealed for unity and urged members to avoid internal disputes through litigation.
“Please, let there be no litigation. Party members, please, don’t go to court. What we want is a party. Women and children will be proud of this party.
‘This party will form a government that will rescue Nigeria, will form a government to ensure that Nigerians can live in Nigeria without living in fear, to ensure that a mother will no longer cry for a child that left for school and will not return,” he said.
“We will ensure that Nigerians will no longer go to bed in their millions, not knowing where the next meal will come from the next day.
“We don’t want to spend our time in litigation and fighting ourselves. We want to spend our time dealing with issues that affect the ordinary Nigerian,” he added.
Obi also encouraged Nigerians and his supporters to actively join the party and contribute to building a stronger political platform.
Kwankwaso, in his remarks, urged citizens across the country to register with the NDC, noting that his political base had already commenced the registration process.
Earlier, Dickson expressed confidence in the party’s future, describing the development as a turning point.
“On behalf of the leaders of our party and on behalf of the teeming members of our party, well-meaning Nigerians from all over our country, who in the five months have defied all odds and conquered all doubts, and invested their trust and confidence in the dream and vision of this party.
“On behalf of all of them, I thank you all, and I welcome you all, especially to the NDC and my humble home,” he said.
He added that despite being relatively new, the party is prepared to “box above its weight,” describing it as stable and free from internal divisions.
“I welcome you to Nigeria’s fastest-growing political party. I welcome you all to Nigeria’s most stable political party.
“I welcome you all to a party that has no faction, to a party that has no litigation whatsoever. I also want to welcome you all to a party that does not know what is called status quo ante bellum,” he stated.
Obi’s latest move follows his earlier exit from the Labour Party in December 2025, when he joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside other prominent opposition figures.
However, the ADC later became entangled in prolonged leadership disputes and multiple court cases, which created deep divisions within the party and slowed decision-making.
Amid the crisis, Obi announced his departure, citing “deepening internal crises” and a lack of unity, stating that his decision was guided by his commitment to a functional and stable political platform.
The defection of both Obi and Kwankwaso to the NDC is expected to reshape opposition dynamics as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections.
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