Peter Obi
Bolatito Mercy
Former Bayelsa State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, has described Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as the “biggest political brands” in Nigeria today, amid intensifying talks of their move to the NDC ahead of 2027. Dickson made the remarks Saturday at a stakeholders’ summit organized by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja, themed ‘One Voice, One Vision: In Unity We Win’.
The event comes as multiple sources confirm Obi and Kwankwaso are finalizing plans to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the NDC, with an official announcement expected Monday, May 5. Buba Galadima, Secretary of the NNPP Board of Trustees, told attendees that both leaders have “signed the relevant documents” with Dickson and NDC leaders to avoid a repeat of the ADC crisis.
NDC Deputy Publicity Secretary Abdulmumin Abdulsalam confirmed that high-level negotiations with Obi and Kwankwaso have been facilitated by Dickson for “a significant period”. He said the party is prepared to offer its presidential ticket to the duo and “hand over its machinery to support their joint or individual aspirations”. The NDC had received their names from ADC about a month ago.
According to insiders, frustration with the ADC’s leadership tussle and zoning arrangement drove the decision. A source said Obi and Kwankwaso discovered “Atiku and his loyalists lured our leaders to that opposition party to fulfil only one single mission – Atiku’s presidential ambition”. The Supreme Court on Thursday reset the ADC leadership dispute without resolving it, adding urgency to their exit.
Dickson, who hosted Obi, Kwankwaso, and Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde at his Kano residence during Sallah in March, said the NDC is “not a proxy of APC” and is building a credible alternative. He praised both men for their “consistent connection with ordinary Nigerians” and said their combined political capital makes them the “biggest brands” capable of challenging the ruling APC in 2027.
The Abuja summit drew about 428 registered attendees and featured speakers including Aisha Yesufu, Buba Galadima, and Isaac Fayose. Organizers said the OK Movement was launched in April to mobilize support for a joint Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. Habibu Mohammed of the Kwankwasiyya movement told TheCable that discussions with NDC are “about 90 percent” complete, with only minor issues left.
Political analysts note the realignment could reshape the 2027 race. Vanguard columnist Ochereome Nnanna said the Obi-Kwankwaso combo offers “a glimmer of hope” against APC’s dominance, citing their joint appearance at Kwankwaso’s Kano rally in March 2026. However, critics like Farooq Kperogi argue the opposition remains “fractured and self-absorbed” despite the move.
With INEC’s party membership register deadline set for May 10 and primaries before May 30, the NDC move must happen quickly. All eyes are now on Monday’s expected announcement, which Dickson said would show “in unity, we win” and prove the opposition can coalesce around its two strongest figures.
