David Mark Downplays Impact of Obi, Kwankwaso’s Departure from ADC

David Mark Downplays Impact of Obi, Kwankwaso’s Departure from ADC

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President, David Mark, has reacted to the reported exit of former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso from the party, saying the development will not derail the party’s ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Mark spoke in Abuja on Wednesday during a meeting with members of the Forum of ADC Former and Serving Federal Lawmakers, where he described the alleged defections as a significant but manageable political development.

He admitted that the departure of high-profile politicians such as Obi and Kwankwaso would affect the party’s structure and visibility, but insisted it would also serve as a motivation for the ADC to intensify preparations ahead of 2027. According to him, the party remains committed to building a strong political platform capable of competing effectively in the next general election, despite recent setbacks.

“There is no doubt that the exit of Obi and Kwankwaso will have an effect, but it will also motivate us to work harder,” Mark said. He further assured party stakeholders that the ADC would field credible, experienced and electable candidates capable of winning national elections, adding that ongoing internal restructuring would strengthen the party ahead of 2027.

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The reaction follows reports that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have allegedly left the ADC for a new political platform known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). According to the reports, the move is linked to internal disputes, unresolved legal issues, and ongoing coalition negotiations among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, neither Obi nor Kwankwaso has officially confirmed leaving their respective political platforms, and no formal statement has been issued by their camps at the time of this report.

The development highlights increasing political realignments within Nigeria’s opposition space as preparations for the 2027 presidential election intensify. Political observers say emerging coalitions and shifting alliances are becoming central to opposition strategy, especially as parties attempt to build stronger platforms capable of challenging the ruling structure at the national level.

Analysts also note that the ADC and other opposition parties are seeking to position themselves as viable alternatives through internal reforms, coalition-building and wider national outreach.

Despite the reported defections, David Mark maintained that the ADC remains focused on strengthening its structures and expanding its national influence. He called on party members to remain united and committed to the party’s reform agenda, stressing that setbacks often serve as catalysts for growth in politics.

According to him, the ADC’s long-term goal is to build a disciplined and credible political movement that can offer Nigerians a strong alternative ahead of the 2027 elections. As political activities continue to intensify across the country, the ADC says it is determined to remain a key player in Nigeria’s evolving 2027 election landscape.

 

David Mark Downplays Impact of Obi, Kwankwaso’s Departure from ADC