Former governor of Kano state, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on his supporters to register with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following his defection to the party.
Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state, formally joined the NDC on Sunday after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing uncertainties surrounding the party’s future after the April 30 ruling of the Supreme Court.
At the event, the NDC national chairman, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, presented membership cards to both politicians.
Speaking afterwards, Kwankwaso said discussions with party leaders revealed a shared ideological direction, which informed their decision to join the platform.
In a post on Monday, the former minister described the move as a strategic step toward repositioning the political landscape.
“Yesterday, we took a bold and decisive step by formally joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC),” he wrote.
“At the residence of Senator Seriake Dickson in Abuja, I announced that our decision stems from a deep commitment to democratic values.
“We are determined to provide our people with a credible platform where they can thrive and realise their full potential.
“I therefore call on all our dedicated supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to join the NDC and stand with us in this renewed fight for good governance and true democracy.”
Kwankwaso had earlier joined the ADC on March 30 after leaving the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under which he contested the 2023 presidential election.
In the statement, Kwankwaso explained that his decision followed a careful assessment of the country’s current political direction.
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He noted that Nigeria’s evolving political environment requires what he described as “strategic realignment,” a factor that influenced his decision to exit the NNPP.
At the same gathering, Obi urged party members to avoid internal disputes and litigation, warning that such actions could derail efforts to build a viable political alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Please let there be no litigation. Party members, please don’t go to court. We want to build a party; we are not lawyers,” he said.
“We are pleading with the judiciary. Please end cases in the party so we can face the job of building a new Nigeria that is possible. We want to start building.
“We want to build a country where a child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody. That is what we want to do.”
