Former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has welcomed former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, into the Nigerian Democratic Congress.
Dickson, who is the national leader of the NDC, described the entry of the two politicians as a major boost to the party’s efforts to build a strong and ideologically driven political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a post shared on his verified X handle on Monday, the former governor said it was an honour to receive both politicians into the party.
“Yesterday, it was a pleasure and an honour to receive my brothers and respected political figures in Nigeria, Their Excellencies, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, into the NDC,” Dickson stated.
Dickson Expresses Confidence in New Entrants
Dickson expressed confidence that Obi and Kwankwaso would contribute significantly to the party’s long-term vision and strengthen its political structure across the country.
“We warmly welcome them and trust that they will join us in building a formidable, ideologically driven party for generations to come, one that embodies the true spirit of selfless service to the people,” he said.
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He also thanked Nigerians for their continued support and prayers for the party.
“Congratulations to them. We also extend our gratitude to all Nigerians for their continued support and prayers,” Dickson added.
Obi, Kwankwaso Advocate Peaceful Politics
Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC on Sunday during a reception held in Abuja amid ongoing opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi announced his move to the NDC shortly after resigning from the African Democratic Congress, which he joined in December 2025.
In a statement posted on X, Obi said his exit was not due to personal disagreements with party leaders, including former Senate President, David Mark, or former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because Senator David Mark treated me badly, nor because Atiku Abubakar or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me,” Obi said.
He maintained that recurring internal disputes, court cases and divisions within the ADC were beginning to mirror the problems he experienced in the Labour Party.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion and division,” he stated.
Addressing party leaders and supporters on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor said the decision to join the NDC was informed by the need for a peaceful political platform free from internal disputes and prolonged litigation.
“I assure him that we are coming here to be part of the peaceful family that will work hard to build a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria that will work for everybody,” Obi said.
He described Kwankwaso as a leader committed to education, healthcare and poverty reduction, adding that both men shared a common vision for national development.
Kwankwaso Calls for Mass Registration
Speaking at the event, Kwankwaso said discussions with the NDC leadership showed strong alignment in ideology and governance priorities, especially in the areas of education, youth empowerment, security and national unity.
“We came here together with our team to consult the leader of this party on our ideology, blueprint and all that we believe in, especially myself and Peter Obi. We realised that we are all on the same page,” he stated.
The former Kano governor also urged Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, to register with the party ahead of the submission of its register.
“At this point, I would like to invite all Nigerians, including our brothers and sisters in diaspora, especially those who are interested in contesting elections in this party, to register as soon as possible,” Kwankwaso said.
Opposition Realignments Gather Momentum
The development has intensified discussions around opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with several political blocs reportedly exploring possible alliances against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Meanwhile, supporters of Obi under the Obidient Movement Worldwide reaffirmed their backing for the former governor.
The movement’s Interim National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, said Obi’s popularity continued to grow despite attempts to frustrate his political ambitions.
“We stand with Peter Obi. In all their efforts to stop him from contesting for president, his popularity keeps increasing,” Tanko said.
Presidency, APC React
Reacting to the development, Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, described Obi as a “political nomad.”
In a post on X, Onanuga dismissed Obi’s reasons for leaving the ADC and accused him of avoiding internal contests for the party’s presidential ticket.
“Peter Obi is a politician made of jelly, an opportunistic fellow. He can’t fight Atiku or Amaechi for the ticket of ADC,” he wrote.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.