Obi, Kwankwaso weighing options on NDC offer
Presidential aspirants Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso seeking alternative platforms should judicial decisions go against the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are considering the offer from Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The
- Party shops for presidential candidate, running mate
Presidential aspirants Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso seeking alternative platforms should judicial decisions go against the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are considering the offer from Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC at the weekend said it had offered the platform to both Obi and Kwankwaso within the next two weeks ahead of May 10 deadline given by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for parties to submit their electronic membership register.
Obi and Kwankwaso remain key players in opposition politics, having previously contested the presidency in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Both of them have abandoned the platforms they used in 2023 and are now seeking the opportunity to run again next year.
In a message posted yesterday on its official X account, the NDC offered its platform to the duo to take a shot at the presidency in next year’s election.
The party hinted that the politicians have a short timeframe to decide on the offer.
“All we need right now. Just all we need. Two weeks to deadline,” the party stated, implying that the invitation is linked to its upcoming primary elections.
Last night, Kwankwaso’s political platform - The Kwankwasiyya Movement - said it was aware of moves by the NDC, PRP (Peoples Redemption Party) and other political parties to float a joint Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket.
The group urged the former governors to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) pending a final decision on its leadership.
Speaking to The Nation, the Movement’s spokesman, Habibu Sale Mohammed, alleged sinister attempts by the government to weaken the opposition and frustrate credible candidates.
“Many political parties want to give us an Obi/Kwankwaso presidential ticket. That is their view,” Mohammed said.
“What we are doing now is to make them understand what we see: the attempt to kill the opposition. The public must see the reason for our coalition.”
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He urged opposition parties not to fragment.
“The opposition should not stay apart but remain in the ADC. The ruling party is fighting us psychologically, and staying together gives Nigerians not just hope but confidence that justice will be served by the court at the right time,” he said.
Mohammed added that the leadership of The Obidients and Kwankwasiyya Movement are in talks over the offers of presidential tickets.
National Coordinator, Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa said: “There is no discussion on Obi moving to another party to contest an election.
“He will wait for the outcome of the court ruling on the African Democratic Congress case and then the coalition will decide on what to do.”
When contacted, the NDC could not confirm the post yesterday. It however warned about the proliferation of fake social media accounts impersonating the party.
Its National Secretary Ikenna Morgan said he could not confirm the origin of the post and stressed that only verified handles should be regarded as official.
“I’m not going to say I handle the party’s Twitter account. A journalist from another platform called me about it, and I told him I needed to verify from those responsible,” Morgan said.
Morgan maintained that he had not seen the latest post.
“So, this one you’re referring to now—I haven’t seen it,” he said.
