ADC leaders, Obi weigh NDC option

Many top leaders of the African Democratic Congress are planning to defect to the National Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, Saturday PUNCH has gathered.

Our correspondents learnt that among those at the centre of the unfolding realignment is the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Sources close to the former Anambra State governor said the move followed growing dissatisfaction with the internal structure of the ADC and rising uncertainties after a Supreme Court judgment.

The court judgment, delivered on Thursday, though seen by some as a temporary relief, deepened anxiety among coalition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

While the apex court vacated the earlier injunction that removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively, the ruling stopped short of resolving the substantive leadership dispute, instead returning the matter to the Federal High Court for continuation.

With the core issues still to be decided at the lower court, there are fears that the final outcome could disrupt the party’s leadership at a critical moment in the election cycle.

Insiders said the situation, coupled with the running battle with followers of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, forced Obi and his loyalists to reconsider their stay.

A source familiar with the development said, “I can confirm to you that His Excellency Peter Obi has been consulting many of us who are stakeholders. And considering what is playing out in the ADC, the party seems to be designed and structured to favour an individual aspirant. They are also not ready to zone their presidential ticket to the South.

“If the party structure is skewed in favour of an aspirant, obviously that aspirant will win, and it will not amount to a credible primary election. In addition, if you look at the numerous litigations in the party and the crisis rocking it, His Excellency has concluded that the platform is not formidable for him to contest on.

“Recall that Obi promised his supporters and Nigerians that his name will be on the ballot. We have met with the NDC and they have promised an unchallenged presidential ticket for him to run in 2027.

“All things being equal, in a couple of days—between now and next week—he is expected to dump the ADC for the NDC. It will be a massive move, and all his supporters are also expected to move with him to the NDC. That is what I know.”

Another aide of the former governor confirmed the plan.

“From my findings and understanding, he is going to make this intention known to all Nigerians and take action in the coming days,” the source said.

When contacted, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, declined to confirm or deny the development but reiterated that Obi would contest in 2027.

He said, “Well, I would neither confirm nor deny at the same time until such a pronouncement is made officially.

“What I want to tell Nigerians is that His Excellency, Peter Obi has continuously been saying that he will be on the ballot to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I believe in him, and I want Nigerians to believe that as well. What I said is clear: I said he will run on a platform. I did not say which platform.”

The NDC Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, said discussions involving Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had been ongoing with its National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson.

He said, “Well, the most I can tell you is that they have been interfacing with our leader for quite some time. Also, do not forget that there is a possibility of an alliance that has been under discussion for quite some time.

“So, with the legal twist we are witnessing now, the legal uncertainties, I think there might be some credence to that. However, I cannot categorically confirm to you that it is true, but you should know that, to a very large extent, there is a possibility of it happening.

“Obi is most welcome in the party, not just him, even Kwankwaso too. They have discussed with our national leaders, so you should just watch out.

“We received their names about a month ago from the ADC. We are willing to give them the presidential ticket. We are willing to, you know—only Providence, except if Providence decides otherwise, we are willing, and they will join us.”

ADC leaders weigh defection to NDC

Saturday PUNCH gathered that after the Supreme Court judgment, more leaders of the party were planning to also move to the NDC.

One ADC chieftain said, “There is not much joy to celebrate” in the judgment, warning that the substantive case at the Federal High Court could yet undermine the party.

“There is nothing much to celebrate in the verdict. It is like postponing the evil day. The substantive matter is at the Federal High Court and we have many bridges to cross on that.

If, as expected, the Tinubu administration manipulates the judiciary against us, that will be too late for us, and it may hand Tinubu a cheap victory.

“That’s why, after reviewing the Supreme Court judgment, many of our leaders in the coalition, including the Turaki-led PDP, said we shouldn’t abandon the search for a safer platform. We need to beat Tinubu at his game. We are considering NDC and hope to finalise discussions on that in a few days.

“However, we are also aware of the President’s move to sponsor crises in the NDC, as they have been doing in every opposition party. The Peoples Redemption Party had indicated interest in working with us and, after a day, the government brought a faction from the party. They are planning to do that in NDC as well, but we shall overcome.”

A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party also described the court verdict as a looming danger for the ADC.

“Is that a good judgment? It is a trap ahead. There is no way the ADC will escape the trap,” he said, hinting at possible defections by key figures, including Obi and Kwankwaso.

“Something like that. It is like that,” he added when asked about their possible exit.

The NNPP official also alleged plans to trigger crisis within the NDC but expressed confidence the party would withstand the pressure.

“We know they plan to create a crisis in the NDC, but we hope our people will survive.”

Earlier, the NDC had publicly offered Obi and Kwankwaso a joint ticket, giving them a two-week window to defect and secure its presidential slot.

“All we need right now—just all we need. Two weeks to deadline,” the party stated.

However, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed reports of an impending exodus.

“You are just telling me that; I am not aware of any move by any of the coalition leaders to adopt another platform.”

He added, “Not minding the Tinubu-sponsored crises in opposition parties, his aim to be the only candidate on the ballot will fail.”

Binani dumps party for NDC

In a related development, a former Adamawa State governorship candidate, Senator Aishatu Binani, on Friday formally joined the NDC.

Her defection comes nine months after she left the ruling All Progressives Congress for the ADC.

Speaking shortly after receiving her NDC membership card, Binani attributed her decision to what she described as the party’s commitment to structured governance and the influence of her political base.

She said, “I believe many Nigerians are asking why I decided to join the NDC. The answer is quite simple. After carefully studying the party’s constitution, I saw a strong commitment to structured, policy-driven governance.

“Some may point out that just nine months ago, I was at another party. Let me say clearly that I will never condemn where I came from. Politics is dynamic and often local in nature, and decisions are made based on prevailing realities.

“However, my foremost priority has always been the interest of my supporters. About nine months ago, we collectively made the decision to join our former party. But over time, for reasons best known to them, my supporters felt it was necessary to move on. They took the initiative and urged me to join the NDC.”

According to her, the initiative to join the NDC came from her political base, which had already made significant inroads into the party before she formally joined.

She emphasised the central role of her supporters in her political journey, describing them as the driving force behind her achievements and expressing deep gratitude for their loyalty.

While welcoming Binani and her supporters, the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, described the party as an inclusive platform ready to accommodate new entrants and expand its base.

He said, “This party is open, inclusive, and ready to harness your energy, ideas, and strength. My dear sister, once again, you are welcome. As the chairman has rightly said, the flag of leadership of the NDC in Adamawa has now been handed over to you.

“We are confident that when the party’s democratic processes are concluded, we will gather again in Adamawa to formally engage with the good people of the state and to continue building this movement together.

“Let me also extend an open invitation to all Nigerian political leaders who may have doubts about the viability, sustainability, and strength of their current political platforms. The NDC is open. We are ready to receive and work with you.

“For those who have already joined other parties and are now witnessing the realities, it is not too late. Do not allow anyone to intimidate or mislead you into believing that you cannot leave a political party once you have joined. That is not the law of Nigeria.

“Every Nigerian has the constitutional right to join any political party at any time—and to leave at any time. Politics is a journey. If the vehicle you boarded is no longer taking you to your destination, you have every right to step down and board a better one.

“The NDC is that better vehicle—strong, reliable, and focused on delivering results. Do not delay because delay can be costly,” he added.(Punch)