Obi, Kwankwaso join NDC

•Presidency, APC taunt Obi    •We will form government at the centre —Obi

•Kwankwaso charges Nigerians to register with party

•ADC releases timetable for primary elections, pegs presidential form at N100m

•Presidential, governorship candidates to emerge through consensus, direct options

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, on Sunday formally received former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the party, describing their entry as a major boost to the party.

The reception, held at Dickson’s residence in Guzape, Abuja, drew party leaders, members of the National Working Committee, and supporters from across the country, as the NDC continues efforts to consolidate its base ahead of future elections.

Addressing the gathering, Dickson said the NDC, though relatively young, had demonstrated resilience and unity in a political environment often marked by factional disputes and litigation.

He emphasised that the party remained free of internal crises, positioning it as a credible alternative for Nigerians seeking stability and purposeful leadership.

“On behalf of the leadership and members of our party across the country, I warmly welcome you to the Nigeria Democratic Congress. We are a young political family, but one prepared to punch above its weight. We are proud to be a party without factions or litigation, and committed to service for all Nigerians, especially women and youth”, Dickson said.

The former Bayelsa State governor described Obi and Kwankwaso as two of the biggest political brands in the country, noting that their decision to align with the NDC reflects growing public confidence in the party’s vision.

“We know what you are bringing on board, and Nigerians also know. There will be time for campaigns and political processes, but for now, we welcome you as part of this family,” he added.

In his remarks, Kwankwaso said the decision to join the NDC followed extensive consultations and alignment of ideological positions with the party leadership.

He noted that discussions with Dickson and other leaders revealed shared priorities in key areas such as education, women empowerment, national unity, and security.

“We came together with our team to consult and align our ideas and blueprint with that of the party,” Kwankwaso said.

“We discovered that we are on the same page, especially on issues of education, empowerment of women and youth, security, and building a peaceful and united Nigeria.”

The former Kano State governor also used the opportunity to call on Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, to register with the party ahead of the close of its membership registration window.

“With the party set to submit its register soon, I urge all Nigerians who believe in this movement to register immediately. We have decided to formally join today, and we encourage others to do the same,” he said.

Peter Obi, in his address, reiterated his commitment to building what he described as a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria, stressing that the focus of the new alliance would be on tackling poverty, improving healthcare, and strengthening education.

“We are here to be part of a family that will work hard to build a Nigeria that works for everyone. We want to create a country where a child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” Obi said.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under a different party, stated that internal crises and legal disputes within political parties have hindered progress and forced political realignments.

He appealed to the current administration and the judiciary to ensure a stable democratic environment by discouraging unnecessary litigation in party affairs.

“For the sake of democracy, we plead that there should be no interference that leads to crises and endless court cases in political parties. We want to focus on building the country, not fighting ourselves in court,” he said.

He further called on party members to avoid internal disputes, urging them instead to concentrate on addressing pressing national challenges such as insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship.

“We want to spend our time dealing with issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, ensuring security, reviving agriculture, and making sure families can feed themselves. That is the real task before us,” Obi added.

The former Anambra State governor painted a grim picture of the country’s current state, citing insecurity and economic difficulties as major concerns. He stressed the need for urgent reforms to restore confidence and improve living conditions for citizens.

Presidency, APC taunt Obi

The Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat have reacted in different tweets to the move by former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi to dump the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Obi in a tweet on his official X handle, @PeterObi had confirmed his intention to seek an alternative platform ahead of next general elections.

Obi cited “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division”, within the ADC, accusing the Presidency as mastermind.

But Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga in a tweet on his handle, @aonanuga1965 dismissed Obi as a political nomad, always running away from contest in his quest for presidential ticket.

His post read: “We told you so. The political nomad is on the move again. Ignore all those puerile reasons he gave in these illogical musings, a self-serving letter to his mob. Peter Obi is a politician made of jelly, an opportunistic fellow. He can’t fight Atiku or Amaechi for the ticket of ADC. He pursues the easy road that will only lead him to doom, like in 2023. He always blames the government without doing a soul-searching of himself. Welcome, Peter to the 2027 race.”

National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, described him as a politician always roaming in search of “free, uncontested, unchallenged presidential ticket.”

The APC national publicity secretary recalled Obi adventures in APGA, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), LP, and ADC on to NDC and taunted him as “Nigeria’s inconsolable political drifter.”

Morka’s post read in part: “Peter Obi, a political rolling stone that gathers no moss … roaming again in search of free, uncontested, unchallenged presidential ticket … never willing to remain to build any party …  fantasizes to be president on a ticket delivered only a platter of gold … APGA – PDP – LP – ADC on to NDC … fare thee well, Nigeria’s inconsolable political DRIFTER …”

ADC releases timetable for primary elections, pegs presidential form at N100m

In another development, the ADC has officially released its timetable for the conduct of its 2026 primary elections, pegging presidential nomination form at N100 million.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Sunday, said the party approved a structured fee regime for nomination forms across all elective position in line with its commitment to inclusivity and broad participation.

He said the governorship nomination form is pegged at N50 million, Senate at N20 million, House of Representatives at N10 million, and State House of Assembly at N3 million.

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He added that the party introduced concessional rates, offering a 50 percent discount for youths and a 25 percent discount for women and persons with disabilities to encourage wider participation.

The ADC spokesman, who said the timetable outlined the guidelines and requirements for nomination of candidates for the 2027 general elections, added that it reflected the party’s commitment to internal democracy, orderliness, and full compliance with electoral guidelines.

Abdullahi said as outlined in the timetable, the process is already underway, with the collection of application forms running from April 1 to May 4, 2026.

According to him, the sale of nomination forms will take place from May 5 to May 10, 2026, while the submission of completed forms is scheduled for May 11 to May 13, 2026.

He said the party will conduct the screening of aspirants from May 14 to May 15, 2026, followed by the publication of screening results on May 17, 2026.

The party said appeals will be heard between May 18 and May 19, 2026, with the final list of cleared aspirants to be released on May 20, 2026.

The ADC spokesman said the party’s primary elections will commence on May 21, 2026, with elections for State Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senate seats holding simultaneously at the ward level.

He said the Governorship primaries will take place on May 22, 2026, while the Presidential Primary is scheduled for May 25, 2026.

Abdullahi said this will be followed by a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on May 26, 2026, and the Special National Convention on May 27, 2026, where final ratifications will be made.

The timetable also revealed that the presidential, governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly’s candidates would emerge either through consensus or direct primary which entails that all members will participate in the process.

The ADC called on all members, stakeholders, and aspirants to adhere strictly to the outlined schedule and guidelines, as the party continues to position itself as the primary platform for Nigerians seeking competent, accountable, and people-focused leadership in 2027.

He urged aspirants in particular to ensure full compliance with party constitution and the Electoral Act.