The Kwankwasiyya Movement has indicated that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi are on the verge of defecting to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with the move expected to be finalised next week.
Spokesperson of the movement, Habibu Mohammed, disclosed that the decision followed wide consultations with stakeholders across Kano State, culminating in a unanimous endorsement from representatives of all 44 local government areas.
According to him, discussions with the NDC have reached an advanced stage, with only minor details left to be resolved before the formal announcement.
“The stakeholders have unanimously given approval for the move,” Mohammed said, adding that Kwankwaso is expected in Abuja shortly to conclude arrangements.
Multiple pressures within ADC
Sources within the movement linked the impending defection to mounting internal challenges within the African Democratic Congress, including leadership disputes and strategic disagreements among key figures.
One of the factors cited is the reported insistence of Atiku Abubakar on contesting, a development believed to have influenced alignments within the party.
The crisis was further complicated by a ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which nullified an earlier order in the leadership tussle and returned the matter to the Federal High Court for determination.
Mohammed said the protracted legal battle has raised concerns about the party’s stability ahead of key electoral timelines.
“With the case back in court, there is uncertainty about how long it will take. That makes it difficult to remain and plan effectively,” he said.
He added that multiple cases still pending against the ADC have created what stakeholders consider an unstable political environment.
Race against time
The movement also pointed to the timeline for submission of party membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission as a pressing concern, noting that delays could affect political positioning ahead of the next election cycle.
Mohammed said options including the Peoples Redemption Party were evaluated before stakeholders settled on the NDC as the preferred platform.
Signs of internal discord
Tensions within the ADC have reportedly intensified in recent weeks. Business Hallmark had earlier reported that Obi’s absence from a crucial emergency meeting in Abuja, convened after the court ruling, sparked unease among party leaders.
The former Anambra governor has also maintained a low profile since the opposition leaders’ summit in Ibadan, where disagreements over zoning reportedly surfaced.
Obi has consistently advocated for zoning of the presidential ticket, warning that failure to address equity concerns could weaken cohesion within the opposition bloc.
Realignment ahead of polls
Meanwhile, political mobilisation efforts are already underway. In April, supporters of both leaders launched the “OK Movement” to promote a possible joint ticket involving Obi and Kwankwaso in the next general election.
Insiders say both politicians have endorsed the initiative, fuelling expectations of a broader political realignment.
With talks nearing completion, analysts believe the anticipated move could significantly reshape opposition politics and alter calculations ahead of the forthcoming elections.
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