Peter Obi, ADC leaders mull mass defection to NDC amid legal uncertainty

A major political realignment is brewing within Nigeria’s opposition bloc as several top figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including allies of Peter Obi, are reportedly weighing a move to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources familiar with the development said the move is driven by growing dissatisfaction with the ADC’s internal structure and uncertainty following a recent Supreme Court ruling that, while offering temporary relief, failed to resolve the party’s leadership crisis.

The apex court had vacated earlier orders affecting the leadership of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, but returned the substantive dispute to the Federal High Court, leaving the issue unsettled at a critical political moment.

Insiders say the lingering litigation, combined with internal tensions and concerns over zoning and fairness in the party’s presidential ticket, has prompted Obi and his loyalists to reconsider their political platform.

A source close to the former governor revealed that consultations are ongoing and that the NDC has reportedly offered Obi an unchallenged presidential ticket if he defects.

“All things being equal, in a couple of days… he is expected to dump the ADC for the NDC. It will be a massive move,” the source said.

While the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, declined to confirm the planned defection, he reiterated that Obi would contest in 2027, noting that the choice of platform would be made public in due course.

Meanwhile, the NDC has acknowledged ongoing engagements with both Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The party’s Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, said discussions around a possible alliance have been active, adding that both figures are welcome to join the platform.

The unfolding situation is further complicated by broader opposition dynamics, with some stakeholders warning that unresolved legal battles within the ADC could weaken its readiness for the 2027 elections.

“There is nothing much to celebrate in the verdict… the substantive matter is still before the Federal High Court,” an ADC chieftain cautioned, hinting at a wider search for a more stable political platform.

In a related development, former Adamawa governorship candidate Aishatu Binani has formally joined the NDC, citing the party’s structured approach to governance and the influence of her political base.

Welcoming her, NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson described the party as an open platform ready to accommodate new entrants and expand its national reach.

Despite the mounting speculation, the ADC has dismissed reports of a looming exodus. Its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he was unaware of any planned defections by coalition leaders.

However, with talks intensifying and key figures weighing their options, analysts say the coming days could prove decisive in reshaping Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of 2027.

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