Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor, Dr. Musa Kwankwaso, have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), received their NDC membership cards amid cheers from supporters, shortly after a closed-door meeting with party leaders.

The two politicians, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), were formally received by a former Bayelsa State Governor and national leader of the party, Sen. Seriake Dickson. Their entry comes amid ongoing political realignments among opposition figures positioning for 2027.

Addressing party leaders, members, and supporters, Obi urged the Federal Government not to interfere in the affairs of the NDC, emphasising the need for a free and open democratic space.

“Please, let there be no litigation. Party members, please do not go to court. What we want is a party that women and children will be proud of.

“This party will form a government that will rescue Nigeria, ensure that Nigerians can live without fear, and guarantee that no mother will have to mourn a child who left for school and did not return,” he said.

“We will also ensure that Nigerians will no longer go to bed in their millions uncertain of where their next meal will come from.

“We do not want to spend our time in litigation and internal disputes; we want to focus on issues affecting the ordinary Nigerian,” he added.

Obi further appealed to Nigerians and his supporters to “do everything possible” to join the party.

In his remarks, Kwankwaso called on Nigerians to register with the NDC without delay, declaring that his political camp had already commenced registration.

Earlier, Dickson expressed confidence that the inclusion of both leaders would reinvigorate the party’s vision.

“On behalf of the leaders and teeming members of our party, and well-meaning Nigerians who, over the past five months, have defied all odds, conquered doubts, and invested their trust in this vision, I thank and welcome you, especially to the NDC and my humble home,” he said.

Dickson added that, despite its relative youth, the NDC was prepared to “box above its weight”.

“I welcome you to Nigeria’s fastest-growing political party, a party without factions or litigation. I also welcome you to a party that does not recognise the concept of status quo ante bellum,” he said.

He described Obi and Kwankwaso as highly qualified leaders, noting that further party formalities would be unveiled in due course.

Obi had previously left the Labour Party in December 2025 to join the ADC, aligning with other prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, Dr. Musa Kwankwaso, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. He said at the time that his decision was guided by national interest and the need to build a stronger opposition platform capable of addressing Nigeria’s governance challenges.

However, the ADC later became embroiled in protracted leadership disputes and multiple court cases, which created deep internal divisions, stalled decision-making, and weakened cohesion among members.

Amid the lingering crisis, Obi announced his defection to the NDC on Sunday, attributing his exit to “deepening internal crises” and a lack of unity and shared vision. He maintained that his decision was consistent with his principles and commitment to a functional political platform.