NDC woos Obi, Kwankwaso with presidential ticket ahead of primary deadline

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has appealed to Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to join its platform and contest the 2027 elections.

In an X post on Sunday, the party hinted at a two-week window for Obi and Kwankwaso to join its platform and secure the presidential ticket.

“All we need right now. Just all we need. 2 weeks to deadline,” the party wrote.

The post featured a photo of Obi shaking hands with Kwankwaso, with the caption: “Nigeria will be OK”.

Last week, supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso launched the “OK Movement” to mobilise support for a possible joint ticket of the two politicians ahead of the 2027 elections.

Subsequently, Justin Ijeh, the movement’s national publicity secretary, announced the appointment of members into the national executive council, zonal, and state structures.

The ADC is battling a leadership crisis that threatens its viability to contest the 2027 elections.

On April 22, the supreme court reserved judgement in an appeal filed by David Mark’s leadership against a suit filed by Nafiu Bala, the factional chairman.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed May 30, 2026, as the deadline for parties to submit their membership registers and nominate candidates for the 2027 elections.

On Saturday, opposition political parties called on the electoral umpire to extend the deadline for party primaries to the end of July.

The parties include the ADC, led by Mark; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction chaired by Kabiru Turaki; and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

The opposition party leaders said the current timetable set by the electoral body was designed to disadvantage them.