Senior figures in the African Democratic Congress are weighing a possible defection to the National Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to party insiders, amid lingering leadership disputes and legal uncertainty.
Sources familiar with the discussions said Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra state, is among those consulting with stakeholders about a potential move.
The deliberations follow a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria that vacated an earlier injunction removing David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s national chairman and secretary, respectively, but returned the substantive leadership dispute to a lower court for further proceedings.
While some party members described the ruling as temporary relief, others said it has heightened uncertainty within the ADC at a critical stage in the political cycle.
An aide close to Obi said concerns about the party’s internal structure, unresolved litigation and zoning arrangements had prompted reconsideration of his political platform.
The aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly, said Obi had been in talks with leaders of the NDC and could make his position known in the coming days. The aide added that discussions included the possibility of securing the party’s presidential ticket.
Another associate of the former governor confirmed that consultations were ongoing but declined to give details.
Yunusa Tanko , national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, declined to confirm or deny the reports but reiterated that Obi would contest the 2027 presidential election.
“I would neither confirm nor deny until such a pronouncement is made officially,” he said, adding that Obi had consistently maintained he would be on the ballot.
An official of the NDC, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, said discussions with Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had been ongoing, though he stopped short of confirming any agreement.
“There is a possibility,” he said, adding that the party remained open to new entrants.
Party insiders said additional ADC leaders could also defect following the court ruling, citing fears that the unresolved case before the Federal High Court of Nigeria could further destabilize the party.
A senior ADC member, who requested anonymity, said the judgment had not resolved underlying tensions and warned of potential fallout if the legal battle drags on.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party described the ruling as a looming challenge for the ADC, suggesting it could trigger further defections.
The NDC has previously indicated willingness to offer its presidential ticket to opposition figures, including Obi and Kwankwaso, as part of broader alliance talks.
However, Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, dismissed reports of an imminent exodus, saying he was not aware of any plan by coalition leaders to adopt another platform.
In a related development, Aishatu Binani, a former governorship candidate in Adamawa state, has joined the NDC after leaving the ADC.
Binani said her decision was influenced by what she described as the party’s commitment to structured governance and the preferences of her political supporters.
Welcoming her to the party, Seriake Dickson, the NDC’s national leader, said the party remained open to new members and would continue to expand its base ahead of the elections.
