Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has described the recent defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a strategic move driven by caution and political foresight.
Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Monday, Abati suggested that both politicians anticipated looming legal and structural challenges within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), prompting their swift exit.
He pointed to the ongoing legal uncertainties surrounding the ADC, particularly the referral of key party issues to the Federal High Court, as a major factor influencing their decision. According to him, the unpredictable outcome of the case may have undermined confidence in the party’s stability.
Abati noted that Obi and Kwankwaso opted to align themselves with what they perceive as a more secure political platform, thereby avoiding potential setbacks tied to the ADC’s internal disputes.
Despite the move, questions remain about the future political direction of both figures. Analysts are already speculating on whether the development could lead to a joint presidential ticket or a broader political alliance ahead of upcoming elections.
“They acted wisely out of caution,” Abati said, emphasizing that the uncertainty surrounding the ADC could have led to significant political complications.
The two politicians were formally welcomed into the NDC on Sunday at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. They were received by the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, alongside senior party officials and a large gathering of supporters.
Their defection marks a significant development in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of future electoral contests.
