Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor, has urged his followers and Nigerians to unite behind the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) following his decision to join the party.
Kwankwaso stated in a statement on Monday via his X page that the decision was motivated by a strong commitment to democratic ideas and the need to establish a genuine political platform.
“Yesterday, we took a bold and decisive step by formally joining the Nigeria Democratic Congress,” he said, noting that the move reflects “a deep commitment to democratic values.”
“We are determined to provide our people with a credible platform where they can thrive and realize their full potential,” he added.
The former presidential chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party urged Nigerians to align with the party in pursuit of good governance.
“I therefore call on all our dedicated supporters and well-meaning Nigerians to join the NDC and stand with us in this renewed fight for good governance and true democracy,” he said.
Chronicle NG reports that Obi and Kwankwaso formally joined the NDC, calling on members to avoid litigation and focus on advancing the nation’s development.
On Sunday in Abuja, the two opposition heavyweights made the call during their formal reception into the party, amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi announced his switch to the NDC shortly after announcing his resignation from the African Democratic Congress, which he joined last December.
Obi addressed party leaders and supporters, stating that their decision to join the NDC was driven by the need for a peaceful political platform.
He said, “First of all, sincerely, I join in thanking the leader of our party. And I assure him that we are coming here to be part of the peaceful family that will work hard to build a united, secure, prosperous Nigeria that will work for everybody.
“Kwankwaso is also a leader who has been at the forefront of education, providing primary care and putting people out of poverty because we want to build a country where a child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody. That is what we want to do.
“We are using this occasion to plead with the government of today. You know that I contested the election in 2023 in a different party. Rabiu Kwankwaso contested the same election in a different party.”
Kwankwaso stated that their participation with the NDC leadership demonstrated significant ideological and governance congruence, notably in education, youth empowerment, and national unity.
He said, “We came here together with our team to consult His Excellency, the leader of this party, on our ideology, blueprint, and all that we believe in, especially my humble self and His Excellency, Peter Obi.
“And we realized that we are all on the same page, be it education, empowerment of young men and women, security, or of course, a very peaceful, united Nigeria.
“During the discussion, we realized that the NDC is submitting its register, I think, on May 6. Now, 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.”
