ADC Crisis Deepens as Obi, Kwankwaso Linked to Possible Defection

Political tension is mounting within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as reports suggest that some of its key stakeholders, including former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, may be exploring a possible move to the emerging National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The alleged development is coming amid increasing uncertainty within the ADC, fueled by internal leadership disputes, legal battles, and ongoing efforts by opposition blocs to reposition ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The crisis within the ADC was reportedly intensified following a recent Supreme Court ruling that failed to fully resolve a lingering leadership dispute within the party. Although the apex court nullified an earlier injunction affecting party leadership arrangements involving key figures such as David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, it referred the substantive matter back to the Federal High Court for determination, leaving the leadership structure unsettled.

Political insiders say the unresolved legal issues have created uncertainty within the party, raising concerns about its cohesion and readiness for the 2027 elections.

Sources within opposition circles claim that Peter Obi has been consulting widely with political stakeholders over the stability and future of the ADC as an electoral platform. According to the sources, concerns have been raised about internal power struggles, zoning arrangements, and whether the ADC can guarantee a transparent and competitive presidential primary.

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It was further alleged that Obi’s allies are reviewing alternative platforms that may offer a more stable political structure ahead of the next general election.

Reports also indicate that the emerging National Democratic Congress (NDC) has opened discussions with key opposition figures, including associates of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. A source within the NDC reportedly confirmed that preliminary engagements have taken place, adding that the party is open to forming a broader opposition alliance ahead of 2027.

The party is said to be positioning itself as a new political platform capable of accommodating major presidential contenders and coalition interests.

Political observers say the speculation of a possible defection has triggered concern within the ADC, with fears that the party could lose influential figures if the situation is not managed. However, no official confirmation has been made by Peter Obi, Kwankwaso, or any of their representatives regarding plans to leave the ADC or join the NDC.

Supporters of the coalition suggest that any final decision may depend on ongoing negotiations and political agreements expected to be concluded in the coming weeks.

Reacting to the reports, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, neither confirmed nor denied the alleged defection plans but maintained that Peter Obi remains committed to contesting the 2027 presidential election. He reiterated that Obi has consistently stated his intention to be on the ballot, although he did not specify the political platform under which the former governor would run.

The ADC has dismissed reports of an imminent mass defection, insisting that there is no official communication indicating that any coalition leader is planning to leave the party. Party officials argue that despite internal disagreements and legal challenges, the ADC remains focused on strengthening its structure and positioning itself as a viable opposition force ahead of 2027.

Political analysts say the development reflects broader opposition realignments in Nigeria, as parties and political blocs engage in coalition talks, mergers, and strategic alliances ahead of the next general election. They note that legal disputes, leadership crises, and negotiations among top political figures are reshaping the country’s political landscape ahead of 2027.

As discussions continue, observers say the coming months will be critical in determining whether the ADC retains its coalition strength or faces further fragmentation.

ADC Crisis Deepens as Obi, Kwankwaso Linked to Possible Defection

Kano Politics: Kwankwasiyya Figure Dumps ADC in Surprise Move

A prominent Kwankwasiyya movement figure in Kano State, Hon. Kabiru Adamu Abdullahi, has officially resigned his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a notable shift within the state’s evolving political landscape.

Abdullahi, a well-known House of Assembly aspirant for Dala Local Government Area, confirmed his resignation in a formal letter dated May 1, 2026, addressed to the ADC chairman in Kofar Ruwa Ward. In the letter, he stated that his withdrawal from the party takes immediate effect, while expressing appreciation for his time in the organisation.

“I hereby formally resign my membership of African Democratic Congress (ADC) at Kofar Ruwa Ward with immediate effect,” he wrote. He added, “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me to be part of the party and wish you and the party the very best in your future endeavours. Kindly accept this as my official notice and communicate same to the appropriate authorities.”

The resignation is believed to follow what political sources describe as a directive from the leadership of the Kwankwasiyya movement, which has been tightening internal discipline and streamlining political affiliations among its members ahead of future elections.

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The Kwankwasiyya movement, led by former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, is known for its strong organisational structure, loyalty-based membership system, and coordinated political strategy across Kano State and beyond.

Political observers say the move reflects ongoing efforts by the movement to consolidate its base and prevent divided loyalty among members as political parties reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abdullahi, who has been active in grassroots mobilisation within the Dala political axis, is regarded as one of the influential local aspirants in the area. His previous affiliation with the ADC had drawn attention given Kwankwasiyya’s broader political influence and shifting alliances in northern Nigeria.

The development comes amid wider political realignments in Kano State, where parties and political blocs are strengthening their structures in preparation for upcoming electoral contests. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been working to expand its presence in the North, but analysts say retaining high-profile local figures linked to dominant movements remains a challenge.

As of press time, neither the ADC leadership in Kano nor representatives of the Kwankwasiyya movement have issued an official statement regarding Abdullahi’s resignation. However, political watchers believe the development may signal further internal adjustments within the state’s political landscape in the months ahead.

Kano Politics: Kwankwasiyya Figure Dumps ADC in Surprise Move

Peter Obi ‘Not a Serious Candidate for 2027’ — Former Supporter Declares

A former supporter of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, James Kitiya, has declared that the former Anambra State governor no longer has a realistic path to victory in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that Obi should not even be considered a serious contender.

Kitiya, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made the remarks during an interview on Vanguard’s podcast, The Nigerian Meter, where he opened up on his exit from the Obidient movement and his decision to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, the political momentum that powered Obi’s impressive outing in the 2023 presidential election has weakened significantly, especially among grassroots supporters across the country.

“Don’t call Peter Obi a candidate, he’s going nowhere in 2027,” Kitiya said during the interview.

The former Obidient member argued that many supporters of Obi, especially those living abroad, are active mostly on social media and lack the grassroots structures needed to influence elections in Nigeria.

“Most of these guys, especially the ones outside Nigeria, they don’t have voter’s cards, they can’t mobilise people on the ground,” he stated.

Kitiya explained that the confidence and unity that once defined the Obidient movement before the 2023 elections are no longer visible.

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“Before the 2023 election, if you check how we Obidients were talking, we had confidence because the connection was there. The connection is not there now,” he added.

He further claimed that even some loyal supporters of Obi privately admit that the movement has lost momentum ahead of the next general election.

“If I call two Obidients and place them on speaker, they will tell you their truths,” Kitiya said.

The APC supporter revealed that he officially joined the ruling party in February 2026 in Adamawa State, citing what he described as visible infrastructural projects and governance efforts by the Tinubu administration as major reasons behind his defection.

He specifically pointed to the ongoing Lagos coastal highway project near Eko Atlantic, saying the development convinced him that the current administration was delivering on infrastructure.

“I am supporting Jagaban because of the work I see. They started the Coastal Road. Ten minutes away from my office in Eko Atlantic, I see the road construction every morning,” he explained.

However, Kitiya acknowledged the harsh economic realities facing Nigerians, including rising living costs and inflation, noting that the Federal Government still needs to pay greater attention to economic hardship across the country.

While praising Tinubu’s infrastructure drive, he criticised some supporters of the Obidient movement for what he described as a culture of insults and online attacks against political opponents.

“The difference between the APC structure and the Obidient movement is that APC tries to campaign based on what they have achieved, but Obidients are known to always insult opponents,” he claimed.

Despite his criticism, Kitiya described Peter Obi as “a good man,” but insisted that the former governor no longer has the nationwide political structure needed to challenge the APC in 2027.

His comments come amid growing political realignments and coalition talks ahead of the next election cycle, with opposition leaders reportedly exploring alliances aimed at challenging President Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

Meanwhile, supporters of Obi have continued to defend his political relevance, insisting that the former governor remains one of the most influential opposition figures in Nigeria and could still emerge as a major force in the next election.

Peter Obi ‘Not a Serious Candidate for 2027’ — Former Supporter Declares