2027 Race: Obi, Kwankwaso Set to Dump ADC
Fresh cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as presidential hopefuls Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are reportedly preparing to leave the party just weeks after joining, amid rising internal tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to political sources, Obi and Kwankwaso, alongside their loyalists, are considering a move to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), led by former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson.
The development was confirmed by Buba Galadima, a close ally of Kwankwaso, who told supporters at an Obi-Kwankwaso Movement summit in Abuja that both leaders would soon unveil the political platform on which they intend to contest the presidency.
Galadima blamed the growing crisis within the ADC for the planned exit. He urged supporters to prepare for criticism and attacks on social media once the new platform is announced.
Kwankwaso had earlier directed his supporters to resign from the ADC ahead of his own expected defection. He officially joined the party on March 30, 2026, while Obi registered on March 7.
Another ally of Kwankwaso, Ladipo Johnson, said a formal declaration into a new party could happen within days.
Also speaking in Kano, Kwankwasiyya Movement spokesman, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, said Kwankwaso had already ceased to be a member of ADC and would soon be formally received into the NDC.
According to him, the decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting involving members of the NDC and Peoples Redemption Party. He added that the NDC may field Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, with Kwankwaso as running mate in the 2027 election.
Reacting to the growing speculation, the Obidient Movement urged supporters to remain calm, saying Peter Obi is still engaged in strategic consultations with political stakeholders.
In a statement, the group said Obi’s discussions are focused on choosing the best path forward for Nigerians and the vision of a New Nigeria.
The NDC also reacted to reports of the possible defections, saying while no official move had been concluded, its doors remain open to politicians across party lines who share its ideology.
Meanwhile, the ADC dismissed claims that it may not survive the current crisis or fail to participate in the 2027 elections.
Party spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi insisted the ADC remains focused on rescuing Nigeria from APC rule and would field credible, competent and nationally acceptable candidates in the next general election.
He added that there is no legal barrier preventing the party from contesting in 2027.
The reported exits come amid growing mistrust among opposition leaders following disagreements over zoning, presidential ticket arrangements and internal power struggles.
Sources said Obi became frustrated after a recent opposition summit in Ibadan allegedly failed to honour promises that the presidency would be zoned to the South.
With political realignments gathering momentum, the battle to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 appears set to trigger more defections and fresh alliances in the weeks ahead.
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