New alliances shakes up Nigerian political landscape
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who came third and fourth respectively in the last elections, switch parties.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC."
— Peter Obi , Politician
"We are committed to a litigation-free politics."
— Peter Obi , Politician
"discussions with the NDC have reached about 90 percent, with only a few final issues left to resolve."
— Habibu Mohammed , Activist
"this situation creates uncertainty and makes it difficult for members to remain committed to the party."
— Habibu Mohammed , Activist
"What we want is a party. Women and children will be proud of this party."
— Peter Obi , Politician
"I call on all Nigerians to register with the NDC as soon as possible."
— Musa Kwankwaso , Politician
"With both leaders, Nigeria will be new again."
— Seriake Dickson , Politician
"the crisis that led him and his supporters to leave the NNPP is now affecting the ADC."
— Rabiu Kwankwaso , Politician
"court battles could undermine efforts to build a viable political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections."
— Peter Obi , Politician
Key People
Abubakar is a former Vice-President of Nigeria and a key figure in the opposition.
Bola Tinubu is the President of Nigeria.
Habibu Mohammed is the spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party.
Obi is a former state governor and one of Tinubu's major rivals.
Rabiu Kwankwaso is a former governor and a prominent political figure in Nigeria with significant influence in the north.
Seriake Dickson is the national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Tags
All Coverage
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who came third and fourth respectively in the last elections, switch parties.
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, who finished third and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential race, have both joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), raising the prospect of a joint ticket to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), calling on members to avoid litigation and focus on advancing the nation’s development.
The Kwankwasiyya movement has announced that Rabiu Kwankwaso plans to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with Peter Obi and other allies expected to follow suit.
Former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), receiving membership cards amid cheers from supporters.
Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing the need for a peaceful political platform devoid of internal crises as the primary reason for their departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
The Republican candidates walking a Trump tightrope
Some running in November's elections are deciding whether to distance themselves from an unpopular president who still dominates his party.
October 7, 2026 at 05:00 AMNigeria mourns 25 killed as military plane crashes into swamp
President Bola Tinubu describes the crash as a "painful moment" for the military and the entire nation.
October 6, 2026 at 12:51 PMAfrican football leaders rally behind Infantino for FIFA reelection - Reuters
African football leaders rally behind Infantino for FIFA reelection Reuters
October 8, 2026 at 05:50 PMItaly overhauls electoral system after fiercely contested debate
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says the move will deliver more stable government, but opposition parties say her aim is to stay in power.
October 8, 2026 at 12:32 PMBrazil's real jumps after Bolsonaro leads election first round - Reuters
Brazil's real jumps after Bolsonaro leads election first round Reuters
October 5, 2026 at 01:08 PMEXCLUSIVE: Erik Prince's forces suffer battlefield loss in Congo, former UFC fighter among wounded, sources say - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: Erik Prince's forces suffer battlefield loss in Congo, former UFC fighter among wounded, sources say Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 09:46 PM