Fresh cracks have emerged within Nigeria’s opposition ranks as key political figures, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are set to formally exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and unveil a new political platform.
The development was confirmed on Saturday by Buba Galadima, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement in Abuja.
Galadima disclosed that the two opposition leaders would publicly announce their new political base on Monday, signaling a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As from Monday, when our leaders declare on which platform they will run, I want to tell you that one of two things will happen. And I’m here to guide you on your response to what will happen,” he said.
“First, they will sponsor columnists. Two, they will deploy social media influencers to start attacking our candidates. For all of you who are on social media and those you with the mighty pen, you must be prepared to respond to anything they are going to say.”
Although Galadima did not name the platform, sources close to the opposition bloc indicated that both leaders have concluded arrangements to align with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), a newly floated party reportedly linked to former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.
A source familiar with the negotiations confirmed that the move followed dissatisfaction with internal dynamics within the ADC.
“Both Obi, Kwankwaso and their chieftains were on ground between yesterday and this morning signing the relevant documents with Senator Dickson and the NDC leaders,” the source said.
“We don’t want a repeat of what happened in the ADC to occur again. We discovered late that Atiku and his loyalists lured our leaders to that opposition party to fulfil only one single mission – Atiku’s presidential ambition.
“All is now set. Both Obi and Kwankwaso will announce their defection from the ADC on Monday.”
Galadima further warned supporters to brace for political backlash, urging a disciplined but firm response to anticipated attacks.
“For all of you who are on social media and those with the mighty pen, you must be prepared to respond to anything they are going to say… don’t call anybody any name until they call our leaders names. Then we will respond with the greatest might of intellect in us,” he said.
He also alleged sustained pressure on opposition figures, claiming that security agencies had targeted them while established parties were being weakened.
“Opposition platforms such as the SDP, PDP, ADC, NDP and PRP have been decimated,” he said, warning of possible escalation.
At the event, Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, threw his weight behind the proposed alliance, expressing confidence in its electoral chances.
“I am not a politician and don’t need to join your political party. But let me say that O-K (Obi-Kwankwaso) is okay for me. And I am ready to lead,” he said.
“This time, I can tell you that we have already won in 28 out of 36 states… So it is up to them to say this time, you can’t steal our votes.”
Also speaking, activist Aisha Yesufu called for national unity, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic divisions.
“It is time for us to become a nation that is working. The next time they say to you that this is an Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba person, tell them indeed, we are all Nigerians,” she said.
“We must unite right now. When they tell you about the generational hatred, ask them, where did it lead you to? Where has it also led Nigeria? We are brothers and sisters.”
The anticipated announcement on Monday is expected to reshape opposition politics, with analysts closely watching how the new alignment will impact the balance of power ahead of the next general elections.
