Obi, Kwankwaso pick NDC membership cards, urge supporters to join party
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have formally registered as members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), calling on supporters across
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have formally registered as members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), calling on supporters across Nigeria and the diaspora to enlist with the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development followed a high-level meeting on Sunday with key figures in the party, including former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, former Adamawa governorship candidate Aishatu Ahmed Dahiru, and the party’s National Chairman, Cleopas Moses.
Speaking after about 90 minutes of closed-door consultations, Obi said the decision to join the NDC was driven by shared ideological alignment between him, Kwankwaso and the party leadership.
“We came here with our team to consult with the leadership of the party on our ideology, our blueprints and what we believe in,” Obi said.
“We realised we are on the same page—committed to education, youth empowerment, security, and building a peaceful and united Nigeria.”
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to register with the NDC, describing the party as a platform capable of delivering its vision for national development.
The move signals a significant shift in the opposition landscape as political actors intensify realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
“At this point, I would like to invite all Nigerians, including our brothers and sisters in the diaspora, especially those interested in contesting elections on the platform of this party, to register as soon as possible.
“Now that we realised that we only have a couple of days to do what we have to do concerning registration, we decided before coming out that all of us will register today by the grace of God.
“Once again, I want all those who believe in us and who believe in promoting peace and progress in this country to register with the NDC,” he said.
Read Also: Obi, Kwankwaso meet Dickson in Abuja amid talks on possible NDC defection
Obi added, “We are coming here to be a peaceful part of the family and to work hard to build a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria that will work for everybody.
“We want a country where a child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody.”
He blamed the crisis in their former political parties on interference by the ruling government, alleging that the opposition space had been destabilised through endless litigations and internal crises.
He said, “Peter Obi contested the 2023 election in a different party. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso contested the same election as a member of another party. But the government of today ensured that crises upon crises were created within our parties, leading to litigation and everything that made us abandon them.
“But what we saw was that they carried the same problems to where we moved to.”
He appealed to members of the NDC to avoid litigation and focus on nation-building.
“The leader has already told us — no litigation. We are pleading with members for the sake of democracy, don’t come here and start court cases.
“We do not want to spend our time in litigation and fighting ourselves. We want to spend our time dealing with issues affecting ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
Obi also lamented insecurity and hardship in the country, saying the NDC would work towards restoring confidence and safety.
“We will form a government that will rescue Nigeria. We will form a government that will ensure Nigerians can live without fear.
“We want a Nigeria where mothers will not cry because their children travelled and did not return, where farmers can return safely to their farms, and where millions of Nigerians will no longer go to bed hungry,” he added.
Kwankwaso, in his remarks, said the decision to join the party was driven by the desire to build a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
He called on Nigerians to embrace unity and actively participate in the political process as part of efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Kwankwaso commended party leaders for their commitment to national development and inclusive leadership, noting that his interactions had provided deeper insight into the party’s ideology, blueprint, and long-term vision.
He said discussions with stakeholders revealed shared priorities, particularly in advancing education and empowering young people and women across the country.
Kwankwaso described the NDC as not only a political platform but also a vehicle for social development and inclusion.
The former Kano State governor urged Nigerians, especially prospective aspirants, to take advantage of the limited window available to register and participate in the party’s ongoing processes ahead of upcoming elections.
He emphasised the need for collective commitment to peace, unity, and national progress, expressing confidence that such values would drive meaningful change in the country.
Kwankwaso also appreciated supporters and stakeholders for their dedication, urging them to remain steadfast in the shared goal of building a better Nigeria.
Earlier, Senator Dickson described Obi and Kwankwaso as major political brands whose entry into the NDC would strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
He said, “On behalf of the leaders and members of our party, I welcome you especially to the NDC.
“You are two of the biggest political brands in our nation. We are happy that you have placed your confidence in this party's dream and vision.
“This is a party for Nigerian women and youths, a party of dedicated servants of the people.”
Dickson further described the new entrants as “qualified and suitable suitors,” joking that they should already be regarded as “in-laws” of the party family.
Dickson said, “You don’t wait for the marriage ceremonies to be concluded before you begin to treat that particular suitor as an in-law.
“These are very handsome, very qualified and very suitable suitors. And we can already pronounce you as in-laws.”
He added that the two opposition leaders entered the party with extensive political networks and loyal supporters nationwide.
According to him, “You, the two of you, are among the biggest political brands in our nation.
“We are waiting to hit the streets when the real movement begins. You should gird your loins ready. They have come.”
Dickson also noted that the calibre of politicians joining the party showed that the NDC was becoming a major political force ahead of the 2027 elections.
He assured new members and stakeholders that the party leadership is committed to fostering a fair, transparent, and progressive political process that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.
Also speaking, Binani said the party was honoured to receive the two opposition leaders, describing them as household names with strong support among youths and women.
She said, “It gives me great delight to witness this historic event. Our party has officially received very important politicians and renowned national leaders.
“Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi are household names in this country, especially among the youth and women.
“Incidentally, youth and women are the bedrock of our party supporters. The Nigeria Democratic Congress stands for fairness, equity and justice.”
National Chairman of the party, Senator Moses Cleopas, said the NDC had become a rallying point for Nigerians seeking political change and national rebirth.
Moses described the party as “the Noah’s Ark” of Nigerian politics because of the calibre of politicians joining its fold.
He said, “We want to thank our leaders and all your numerous followers across the country and even in the diaspora for coming into the Noah’s Ark.
“The journey to rescue Nigeria begins now. Go and register and ensure that you are a member of the NDC.”
At the event, Obi and Kwankwaso were formally decorated with NDC symbols and presented with their membership cards amid cheers from supporters and party faithful.
Senator Victor Umeh and Mr Buba Galadima were also decorated with the signature fez caps of the NDC, signalling their official defections into the party.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included Nasir Gawuna, a former Governorship candidate of the APC in Kano State; Senator Kabir Marafa, who recently joined the NDC; former Governor of Kano State, Senator Kabiru Gaya; Hon. Afam Ogene; Dr Sam Amadi; and ex-Senator Gilbert Nnaji from Enugu State.
