From Victor Osula Abuja
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) amid intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The two opposition leaders were formally received into the party on Sunday after a closed-door meeting held at the Abuja residence of the National Leader of the NDC and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.
As part of the formal admission process, both Obi and Kwankwaso were presented with their official NDC membership cards, confirming their entry into the party.
The meeting, which took place at Dickson’s residence in Guzape, attracted party leaders, political associates, coalition loyalists and supporters of both Obi and Kwankwaso, popularly aligned under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, also known as the “OK Movement”.
The event witnessed jubilant scenes as supporters chanted solidarity songs and repeatedly sang “O-K is okay” while the two politicians arrived at the venue.
Kwankwaso appeared in his trademark white babanriga and red-and-white Kwankwasiyya cap, while Obi was dressed in a black kaftan with a matching cap.
Present at the gathering was the National Chairman of the NDC, Moses Cleopas, alongside senior party officials and supporters who welcomed both leaders into the party.
Party leaders described the formal entry of Obi and Kwankwaso into the NDC as evidence of growing national confidence in the party and its expanding political influence across the country.
According to insiders at the meeting, discussions focused on coalition-building efforts, opposition unity and strategies to strengthen the NDC ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The development comes only hours after Obi announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing worsening internal crisis, political hostility, and external interference allegedly undermining opposition parties.
It also comes barely 24 hours after elder statesman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima, hinted that two major opposition figures would unveil a new political platform.
Galadima had made the disclosure during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja, where he warned supporters to prepare for political attacks and propaganda campaigns targeted at the emerging alliance.
Sunday’s formal defection is expected to significantly reshape opposition politics ahead of 2027, especially as coalition talks intensify among parties and political blocs seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Many lawmakers, political associates and supporters loyal to both leaders are expected to formally align with the NDC in the coming days as consultations continue nationwide.
Meanwhile, party leaders at the event expressed optimism that the entry of Obi and Kwankwaso into the NDC would strengthen efforts to build a broad-based national political platform capable of offering Nigerians an alternative leadership direction ahead of the next general elections.
