The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has said that speculations surrounding the possible defection of former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the party remain unconfirmed and should not be treated as a settled political arrangement.
The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, made the clarification in a statement on Saturday while reacting to media reports suggesting that both politicians were set to join the NDC.
Abdulsalam explained that his earlier comments on the matter had been misunderstood and misrepresented, stressing that his response to a journalist’s inquiry was framed in terms of possibility rather than certainty.
“My recent response to a media inquiry regarding the likelihood of Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Mr Peter Gregory Obi joining the NDC was purely in the realm of probability, not confirmation,” he said.
He expressed concern that the report had been amplified by some media outlets in a manner that could mislead the public and heighten political speculation.
For clarity, the party reiterated its position on defections, noting that it continues to welcome politicians from across party lines who are willing to align with its ideology and vision.
According to Abdulsalam, the party has consistently encouraged what it described as a “Noah’s Ark” initiative, aimed at bringing together political actors committed to its policy direction and national agenda.
He added that the NDC does not compel or restrict political movement, maintaining that individuals remain free to associate with any party of their choice.
The party further stated that while discussions with various opposition figures, including members of the All Progressives Congress, are ongoing, no final conclusion has been reached regarding high-profile defections.
“The party has not foreclosed the possibility of engagement with prominent politicians, including Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Mr Peter Gregory Obi, as conversations on broader political alignment ahead of 2027 continue,” he said.
The NDC also noted that ongoing talks among opposition groups are part of efforts to build a broader coalition aimed at strengthening political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
