Former Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, is said to be a key figure in the anticipated political realignment.

Sources close to the former Anambra State governor, who spoke with Punch, linked the development to rising dissatisfaction within the ADC’s internal structure and lingering uncertainty following a recent Supreme Court ruling on the party’s leadership dispute.

The Supreme Court had on Thursday set aside an earlier injunction that removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC respectively. However, it did not resolve the substantive leadership issue, instead returning the case to the Federal High Court for further proceedings.

While some party members described the ruling as temporary relief, insiders say it has increased tension within coalition circles ahead of the 2027 elections, with concerns that ongoing litigation could destabilize the party at a critical political stage.

Obi Loyalists Raise Concerns Over Zoning And Party Structure

Party insiders also claim that internal disagreements, including tensions with supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have influenced Obi’s reconsideration of his political platform.

One source said Obi and his allies are concerned that the ADC structure appears skewed in favour of a particular aspirant and that the party is unwilling to zone its presidential ticket to the South.

According to the source, these concerns have raised doubts about the credibility of any potential primary election within the party.

The source further added that ongoing legal disputes and internal crises have made the ADC less viable for Obi’s presidential ambition.

It was also disclosed that Obi has begun consultations with the NDC, which reportedly offered him an uncontested presidential ticket.

The source claimed, “All things being equal, in a couple of days, between now and next week, he is expected to dump the ADC for the NDC.”

Another aide confirmed that Obi is expected to publicly declare his next political move in the coming days, stating that an official announcement will soon be made to Nigerians.

The party’s Deputy Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, made this known while speaking on emerging political movements ahead of the polls.

He said the discussions involved the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, adding that consultations with both opposition figures had been ongoing for some time.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, Abdulsalam explained that there were indications of a possible alliance, though he stopped short of making a definitive confirmation.

He said, “Well, the most I can tell you is that they have been interfacing with our leader for quite some time. Also, do not forget that there is a possibility of an alliance that has been under discussion for quite some time.

“So, with the legal twist we are witnessing now, the legal uncertainties, I think there might be some credence to that. However, I cannot categorically confirm to you that it is true, but you should know that, to a very large extent, there is a possibility of it happening.”

The NDC spokesperson added that the party would be open to welcoming both Obi and Kwankwaso if they eventually decide to join its platform.

He further revealed that their names were reportedly received from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) about a month earlier.

Abdulsalam said, “Obi is most welcome at the party, not just him, even Kwankwaso too. They have discussed with our national leaders, so you should just watch out.

“We received their names about a month ago from the ADC. We are willing to give them the presidential ticket. We are willing to, you know, only Providence, except if Providence decides otherwise, we are willing, and they will join us.”