Leaders of the African Democratic Congress are making last-ditch efforts to halt the planned defection of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, amid growing uncertainty over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Multiple party sources disclosed that the two prominent politicians are weighing options to exit the opposition coalition and may announce their next political move within days.
A senior party insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the defection plans had reached an advanced stage, adding that both men were considering a new platform to pursue their presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Although neither Obi nor Kwankwaso has publicly stated reasons for the potential exit, findings suggest that concerns over the ADC’s presidential ticket and internal power dynamics may be fuelling the move.
The ADC, unveiled in July 2025 as a coalition platform for opposition heavyweights, has attracted key figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Senate President David Mark, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Kwankwaso recently joined the party from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, further strengthening the coalition’s profile.
Investigations revealed that at least four leading figures within the party — Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, and Kwankwaso — are eyeing the ADC’s presidential ticket, a development believed to be intensifying internal competition.
Meanwhile, supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso under the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements recently unveiled a joint “OK Movement,” signalling a possible political alliance ahead of party primaries.
A top ADC leader confirmed that consultations were ongoing to address the situation and prevent a split.
“There are internal moves to resolve the matter. A lot of work is ongoing, and we are hopeful that whatever the grievances may be will be addressed,” the source said.
However, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described reports of the planned defection as speculative, noting that no official communication had been received from either camp.
“For now, it remains in the realm of speculation. We have not seen any formal announcement. When that happens, we will respond accordingly,” Abdullahi said.
He added that party leaders were engaging Obi and Kwankwaso, not necessarily to stop them from leaving, but to clarify their positions amid circulating reports.
“It is within their rights to make political decisions. What the party is doing is to understand their true position beyond the rumours,” he stated.
Also reacting, the founding National Chairman of the ADC, Chief Okey Nwosu, expressed confidence in the party’s leadership to manage the situation, stressing that mechanisms had already been put in place to ensure a credible and transparent presidential primary.
“If consensus is not reached, the party will conduct a transparent primary. The leadership is experienced enough to handle any challenges that arise,” Nwosu said.
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