More details have emerged on why former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Sources who spoke with Daily Trust said the crisis was linked to the struggle for the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.
One of the sources said former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s insistence on contesting again complicated efforts to reach a consensus within the opposition coalition.
The source said, “The problem with the party leaders is mainly who gets the party ticket. If you remember, the last interview by the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, he said this is his last shot at the Presidency, and he is making all efforts to be on the ballot.
“Some of the leaders were hoping to prevail on him to concede the ticket to the South. But he is not backing down. He wants to make sure that he gives his best in the race. If you remember immediately, the Supreme Court delivered judgment on the last election, Atiku started calling for a coalition.”
Zoning Dispute Unsettled Party
Another source said the ADC failed to clearly define the rules of engagement for aspirants, especially on zoning.
The source said the party’s silence on whether its presidential ticket would be zoned to the North or South created uncertainty among major stakeholders.
The source said, “The problem with the ADC is failure to spell out the rules of engagement. The issue of zoning has also been there; the party has refused to be categorical. It is better for the party to have said this is our position on zoning. We are zoning to the North or the South. But if you are not zoning, then the party should have said so.”
According to the source, the party’s refusal to take a clear position has now affected its stability.
The source added that “Atiku wants to be on the ballot because it is his last try and Peter Obi wants to be on the ballot and has promised to do one term, because he knows by 2031, the Presidency will move to the North.”
Obi, Kwankwaso Join NDC
Meanwhile, Obi and Kwankwaso have officially joined the NDC and obtained their membership cards. They joined the party at its national headquarters on Sunday evening.
The national leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, was on hand to receive the new members.
