The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators Forum convened in Abuja today for a crucial meeting with former Labour Party presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi.
The engagement comes at a time of heightened uncertainty within the ADC, as reports intensify that Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are preparing to exit the party next week.
Legislators Forum Engagement
The ADC National Legislators Forum’s meeting with Obi was described as part of ongoing consultations aimed at clarifying the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawmakers who defected to the ADC alongside Obi earlier this year were present, underscoring the significance of the discussions.
Party insiders say the meeting focused on the future of the legislators’ bloc, particularly in light of Obi’s expected defection to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The legislators are reportedly weighing their options, with many expected to follow Obi should he formally announce his departure.
Kwankwaso’s Bloc Moves First
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso’s Kwankwasiyya Movement has already begun preparing for a mass exit from the ADC.
Representatives from all 44 local government areas in Kano met at Kwankwaso’s residence and unanimously endorsed his move to the NDC.
Although Kwankwaso has not formally resigned, sources close to his camp say discussions with NDC leaders are “about 90 percent complete.”
He is expected back in Abuja on Sunday to finalize arrangements, with the official announcement slated for Monday or Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the movement explained: “The ADC is engulfed in leadership crises and legal battles.
“The Supreme Court recently sent the party’s leadership dispute back to the Federal High Court, creating more uncertainty.
“For serious contenders, this instability is untenable,” he concluded.
Obi’s Parallel Move
Obi, who defected to the ADC earlier this year with a bloc of lawmakers, is also expected to announce his departure.
Sources close to the coalition confirm that Obi and Kwankwaso have been in advanced talks to run on a joint ticket under the NDC platform.
Analysts suggest that such a coalition could reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics.
It is expected to combine Obi’s strong appeal in the South-East and South-South with Kwankwaso’s entrenched influence in Kano and the wider North.
The alliance is being framed as a major realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially challenging the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lawmakers to Follow Suit
The defections are not limited to the two presidential hopefuls.
Lawmakers who followed Kwankwaso from the NNPP to the ADC are expected to resign en masse, alongside those who defected with Obi.
This coordinated exit will significantly weaken the ADC, which has struggled to consolidate its position amid internal disputes and court battles.
Despite last-minute efforts by some coalition leaders to halt the planned defections, Kwankwaso’s bloc reportedly held a meeting with NDC leaders late Friday night.
The aim was to finalize discussions, signaling that the decision is already sealed.
Political Outlook
The ADC faces a precarious future as its most prominent figures prepare to leave.
With Obi and Kwankwaso poised to defect, and legislators likely to follow, the party risks losing relevance ahead of the 2027 elections.
For the NDC, however, the defections represent a major boost.
The party, which has been relatively quiet on the national stage, could emerge as a formidable force if it successfully integrates these blocs.
The addition of Obi and Kwankwaso, along with their supporters, positions the NDC as a potential rallying point for opposition forces seeking an alternative to the APC.
The ADC National Legislators Forum’s meeting with Peter Obi in Abuja highlights the growing uncertainty within the party, as both Obi and Kwankwaso prepare to defect to the NDC.
Their joint move, along with mass resignations by lawmakers, signals a major political realignment ahead of 2027, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
