Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso exit ADC for NDC, says Tambuwal

Sokoto South Senator Aminu Tambuwal said former presidential contenders Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) not because of internal disputes but to assess their appeal on a new platform.

Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Tambuwal explained that the pair’s shift to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was a deliberate choice. “I do not believe it was because of any crack in the ADC. I believe they wanted to move to another platform to possibly test their popularity with the Nigerian people,” he said.

Obi and Kwankwaso had been members of the ADC for only a few months before joining the NDC, prompting speculation about the motivations behind the move. Tambuwal’s remarks suggest the switch was strategic rather than reactive, aimed at positioning the politicians for future electoral contests.

The senator’s comments come as Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, with smaller parties vying for relevance amid the dominance of the country’s three major parties. By moving to the NDC, Obi and Kwankwaso may be seeking a fresh base from which to launch broader national campaigns, though the impact of their departure on the ADC’s standing remains to be seen.

Analysts note that party switching is a common feature of Nigerian politics, often reflecting calculations about electoral viability rather than ideological realignments. The ADC, which has struggled to secure significant legislative seats, may now need to rebuild its profile after losing two high‑profile members.

As the political season progresses, observers will watch how the NDC leverages the addition of Obi and Kwankwaso and whether the move translates into measurable voter support. For now, Tambuwal’s assessment frames the transition as a tactical maneuver rather than evidence of fissures within the ADC, underscoring the fluid nature of party affiliations in Nigeria’s democratic arena.