ADC leaders move to stop Peter Obi, Kwankwaso from dumping party ahead of 2027 polls

Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are making frantic efforts to prevent the planned defection of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the opposition party.

Multiple sources confirmed that Obi and Kwankwaso are seriously considering exiting the ADC for another political platform this week in pursuit of their quest to contest the 2027 presidential election.

One source said plans by both men to defect have reached an advanced stage, noting that barring a last-minute change, they are expected to make an official declaration within the week.

The source noted that while the duo have not stated their grievance with the ADC coalition, it might be connected to concerns over the party’s presidential ticket.

The ADC was unveiled in July 2025 by key opposition politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Obi, former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, and former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola, as the “coalition party” for the 2027 polls.

Kwankwaso joined the ADC recently after defecting from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

So far, Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, and Kwankwaso are known to be interested in the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket.

The Obidient Movement, umbrella body for Obi’s supporters, and the Kwankwasiyya Movement, backing Kwankwaso, have unveiled the “OK (Obi-Kwankwaso) Movement,” indicating a possible collaboration ahead of the ADC primaries.

An ADC leader, who confirmed Obi and Kwankwaso are considering an exit, said party leaders are working round the clock to keep them in the coalition.

He expressed optimism that whatever grievances the two leaders have will eventually be resolved.

“There are internal moves to resolve the matter. A lot of work is going on. We hope that by the time they are done, it will be resolved,” he said.

However, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi that talks of the planned defection remain speculative.

“For us, it is still at the realm of speculation. We have not seen any official announcement. When that happens, we will respond accordingly,” he said.

Abdullahi confirmed that party leaders are reaching out to the two, not to prevent them from leaving, but to understand their actual position beyond the rumours.

“It depends on what they say. But it will be within their right to do so,” he added.

Founding ADC National Chairman, Chief Okey Nwosu, expressed confidence in the leadership’s ability to resolve any issues, noting that if their concern is the presidential nomination, the party has put measures in place for a transparent exercise.

“One thing that was clear from the beginning is that the party agreed that if we are not able to reach a consensus, we are going to do a very transparent primary,” Nwosu said.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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