Former NNPP publicity chief Ladipo Johnson said on Monday that former presidential aspirant Rabi’u Kwankwaso is prioritising national unity over personal ambition after a wave of defections reshaped Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
Speaking to Arise Television, Johnson, who served as the New Nigerian Peoples Party’s National Publicity Secretary, responded to the recent move of two prominent opposition figures to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). The political realignments, which also saw former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Kwankwaso himself leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have heightened speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Those dissatisfied with the current state of affairs have alternatives from the South, and within our own party we have Peter Obi,” Johnson told the broadcaster. “Kwankwaso’s decision to join the NDC reflects his belief that preserving Nigeria’s unity is more important than personal ambition, and I expect he will back Obi as he embarks on this new political journey.”
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and long‑time figure in northern politics, formally announced his departure from the ADC earlier this week, citing ideological differences and a desire to contribute to broader national cohesion. His move aligns with Obi’s earlier switch to the NDC, a party positioned as a centrist platform aiming to attract disenchanted voters from across the political spectrum.
The defections come at a time when the opposition is recalibrating ahead of the next electoral cycle. Analysts note that the NDC’s growing roster could alter the balance of power, potentially consolidating anti‑incumbent sentiment under a single banner. However, the shifting loyalties also raise questions about the durability of these new alliances and whether they can translate into a viable third‑force challenge to the ruling party.
Johnson’s comments underscore the internal dynamics of the NNPP, which has been courting former ADC members while striving to maintain its own relevance. By highlighting Kwankwaso’s emphasis on national unity, Johnson signals a willingness to cooperate with other opposition groups without compromising the NNPP’s distinct identity.
As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape remains fluid. The NDC’s ability to harness the support of high‑profile defectors such as Kwankwaso and Obi will be closely watched, while parties like the NNPP will need to articulate clear policy positions to retain their constituencies.
The developments illustrate a broader trend of realignment among Nigeria’s opposition, suggesting that the coming years may see a redefined contest for power, with national unity being framed as a central theme by emerging coalitions.
