world
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso Join Nigeria Democratic Congress Ahead of 2027 Election
Two prominent Nigerian opposition figures, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, have joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress in a move that reshapes the political landscape. The switch comes amid legal disputes in their previous party and ahead of the 2027 presidential vote. Supporters and analysts see potential for a stronger challenge to President Bola Tinubu.
vanguardngr.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso announced they switched to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election, BBC News reported. The two opposition figures, who finished third and fourth respectively in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, were formally received at the NDC's national headquarters in Abuja by Senator Seriake Dickson on Sunday.
Obi, 64, and Kwankwaso, 69, both former governors, command significant grassroots followings through the Obedient movement and the Kwankwasiya movement.
Peter Obi blamed the Nigerian government for legal battles over party leadership in their previous party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He was the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 election. Allies of President Bola Tinubu denied trying to sabotage opposition parties.
A presidential spokesperson said the defections reflect the normal fluidity of democratic politics and that the government is focused on economic reforms, improving security, and ensuring stability. The spokesperson stated: 'Political alliances will come and go.
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso called for national unity, greater opportunities for young people, and an end to opposition infighting after their reception.
They joined the ADC nine months before the current announcement, along with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who finished second in the 2023 election. Abubakar was also in the ADC. President Bola Tinubu, 74, won the 2023 Nigerian presidential election with 37% of the vote, the lowest winning share since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999.
