Obi, Kwankwaso meet Dickson in Abuja amid talks on possible NDC defection
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential flagbearer, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Sunday met with
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential flagbearer, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Sunday met with the national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, in Abuja, amid discussions linked to a possible political realignment.
Both politicians arrived at Dickson’s Guzape District residence around 5:10pm, accompanied by their supporters and prominent allies. Among those present was Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District.
Obi was dressed in a black attire with a matching cap, while Kwankwaso appeared in a flowing agbada complemented by his signature red Kwankwasiyya cap. They were received into the premises with chants of “Ok, Ok, Nigeria shall be OK,” from supporters already gathered at the venue.
The meeting is part of ongoing consultations involving key opposition figures and the NDC leadership over possible defections and future political alignment.
Sources familiar with the discussions said Obi and Kwankwaso recently exited the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party they joined only months earlier, following internal disagreements and unresolved crises.
“They are engaging with the NDC leadership led by Senator Seriake Dickson as part of ongoing consultation and discussions,” a source said.
The source added that while the meeting is consultative in nature, the outcome could influence a formal move into the NDC.
“It is an interactive meeting, not a declaration, but anything can happen,” the source noted.
There are strong indications that both politicians may formally announce their exit from the ADC and join the NDC as early as Monday, depending on the outcome of ongoing talks.
The NDC leadership is said to be open to accommodating both figures should they decide to pursue their political ambitions under the party.
On Sunday, Obi confirmed his departure from the ADC, citing what he described as a toxic political environment and deepening internal crisis. Kwankwaso also signalled his exit, noting in a post on his verified X handle titled “Clarification on my political position” that his formal communication would follow due process.
He stated that he would announce his final position through official channels after concluding his consultations.
The statement reads: “We have noted recent media reports and discussions suggesting a possible realignment within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to the current challenges facing the party.
“In light of the misleading narratives in the public domain, I wish to state categorically that no final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates.
“The recent Supreme Court judgment, while affirming the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), also remitted the matter back to the High Court. This has left the party in a precarious position.
“In addition, the Federal High Court has recently ruled to delegitimise the party’s recent convention. The Attorney General of the Federation has also strangely applied to a Federal High Court to deregister the ADC.
“We left the NNPP due to externally influenced legal problems that made our stay perilous. The ADC has now been also forced into this difficulty.
“Consequently, like other major stakeholders, we have commenced wide-ranging consultations — including with leaders from the NDC, PRP and others to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests. We shall announce our decision in the soonest possible time.
“On the issue of presidential candidacy, I wish to recall my consistent record as a committed democrat. In the 2014 APC presidential primary, I came second to President Muhammadu Buhari (whom I fully supported to victory), with Atiku Abubakar third, Rochas Okorocha fourth, and the late Sam Nda-Isaiah fifth. Similarly, in 2019, I contested the PDP presidential ticket and immediately supported the winner, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, serving as the campaign’s coordinator in the North. I have always placed national interest and party unity above personal ambition.
“Furthermore, the ADC is yet to zone its presidential ticket or take any decision on a candidate. I have therefore neither declared any intention to run for president nor endorsed any aspirant. All speculations to the contrary are premature and unfounded.
“My absence from the two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments. I promptly communicated my apologies to the party leadership.
“We shall continue to engage constructively at all levels. Any definitive position on our political direction will be communicated formally through official channels at the appropriate time.”
