The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), including former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is currently in Abuja for the party’s national convention amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
The convention is expected to address several major issues affecting the party, including the ratification of amendments to the party constitution, zoning arrangements, and the election of new national executives.
According to the agenda made available to journalists, the gathering will also review and regularise some recent decisions taken by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
The NDC has recently witnessed a wave of defections from other political parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On Tuesday, at least 17 members of the House of Representatives reportedly defected from the ADC to the NDC, further strengthening the party’s growing opposition profile.
The lawmakers’ defection came barely two days after Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC from the ADC.
Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Kwankwaso, the former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), officially received their NDC membership cards last Sunday following a closed-door meeting with party leaders.
The two opposition figures were welcomed into the party by former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson.
Speaking on his decision to leave the ADC, Obi cited worsening political tensions, internal party crises, external interference, and what he described as an increasingly hostile political environment.
The former Anambra State governor lamented that Nigeria’s political space had become toxic, with intimidation, insecurity, and constant scrutiny confronting individuals seeking to offer genuine public service.
He also expressed concern that institutions meant to protect citizens were increasingly being used against them, while credible political actors faced mounting pressure both publicly and privately.
The NDC convention is expected to continue over the weekend as party stakeholders deliberate on the future direction of the growing opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
