Mr Peter Obi
The South-West Coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Dr Adefolaseye Adebayo, has claimed that about 10 million Nigerians registered with the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) within 24 hours after former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, joined the party.
He made the claim on Monday during an interview on Arise TV while reacting to criticisms that Obi’s chances of becoming Nigeria’s President had reduced following his defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC.
Obi and a former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, had on Sunday dumped the ADC for the NDC ahead of the next general elections.
The development has attracted reactions from political actors and critics, with some arguing that Obi’s movement to another party could weaken his political chances ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, Adebayo dismissed the claim, insisting that Obi remained a strong political force with support across the country.
According to her, the former Anambra governor’s political strength is not tied only to a party platform but to his personality, record and perceived competence.
‘Obi Has Followers Across Nigeria’
Adebayo said Obi enjoyed wide support across the six geopolitical zones, adding that it would be wrong to conclude that his chances had faded because of his decision to join the NDC.
She said, “Mr Peter Obi has a lot of followership across Nigeria. You can’t say that Obi’s chances or the chance of the South East have drastically reduced.
“24 hours after Peter Obi left ADC, 10 million Nigerians registered with NDC and that says a lot.”
The defection of Obi and Kwankwaso to the NDC has intensified political conversations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supporters of the two politicians believe their alliance could create a strong opposition platform, especially among voters dissatisfied with the current political structure.
Adebayo maintained that Obi’s appeal remained broad and that his supporters would follow him irrespective of the political platform he chooses.
She added that the growing interest in the NDC after Obi’s defection showed that many Nigerians were still interested in his political project and the wider Obi-Kwankwaso movement.
Abati media
