Fresh cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as some of its top political figures are reportedly finalising plans to dump the party for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among those said to be at the centre of the unfolding realignment are the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, and former Kano state governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Multiple sources familiar with the development said the planned defections were triggered by growing frustration over the ADC’s internal structure, unresolved leadership tussles, and fears that lingering legal battles could weaken the party before the next presidential poll.
The crisis deepened after the Supreme Court vacated an earlier injunction which had removed Senator David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC respectively.
However, despite restoring the duo temporarily, the apex court reportedly returned the substantive matter to the Federal High Court for continuation, leaving the leadership dispute unresolved.
Party insiders said while some members celebrated the judgment as a relief, others viewed it as a sign that uncertainty still hangs over the party’s future.
There are fears within the coalition that the final outcome of the lower court case could destabilise the party at a crucial stage of preparations for the 2027 elections.
Obi’s camp weighs exit
Sources close to Peter Obi disclosed that the former Anambra State governor had begun consultations with key stakeholders over his continued stay in the ADC.
One insider said Obi’s camp was uncomfortable with what it described as zoning manipulations and structural arrangements allegedly designed to favour another aspirant in any future primary election.
The source said if a process is structured to guarantee victory for a preferred candidate, it would not amount to a credible contest.
According to the source, Obi has concluded that the ADC may no longer provide a formidable platform for his 2027 ambition.
The source further claimed that Obi had opened talks with the NDC and had been assured of an unchallenged presidential ticket if he joins the party.
“All things being equal, between now and next week, he is expected to leave the ADC for the NDC, and many of his supporters are likely to move with him,” the insider said.
Another aide reportedly confirmed that Obi could soon make his position public.
Kwankwaso’s camp also set
Separate sources within the Kwankwasiyya Movement also confirmed that Senator Kwankwaso was preparing to move to the NDC with thousands of loyalists.
It was learnt that the decision followed a strategic meeting held in Kano, where stakeholders reportedly agreed that remaining in the ADC posed serious political risks.
A senior member of the movement said ongoing court cases, leadership disputes, and fresh litigations challenging party structures had made the ADC increasingly vulnerable.
The source warned that the legal crisis could affect the party’s eligibility to participate effectively in the 2027 elections if not resolved quickly.
Coalition faces uncertainty
The possible exit of Obi and Kwankwaso would deal a heavy blow to ongoing opposition coalition talks and could significantly alter political alignments ahead of the 2027 contest.
Analysts say if both men eventually settle in the NDC, the party could instantly emerge as a major force in the race against the ruling APC.
As of press time, neither Obi, Kwankwaso, ADC leadership nor NDC officials had issued official statements on the reported defections.
