The camps of the former governor of Kano State, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso and that of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have confirmed ongoing discussions that could lead to a joint presidential ticket involving the two leaders ahead of the 2027 general election.

The former governor of Kano State is expected to declare for the African Democratic Congress today, and is due to be received by the National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, respectively.

He is likely to join the party alongside the immediate past deputy governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo.

Ahead of the defection, he had, at the weekend, visited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja after an earlier meeting with Aregbesola.

Kwankwaso had earlier been visited during Sallah durbar in Kano by Obi, alongside Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and former governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson.

The development comes as Kwankwaso announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party on Sunday, citing the need for political realignment.

Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

He said, “I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with immediate effect.”

The former governor described his exit as a difficult decision, noting his longstanding involvement with the party.

“As a committed and bona fide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make. However, considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he said.

Kwankwaso expressed appreciation to the party leadership, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, and other organs of the party, for their support during his time.

He also acknowledged members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and party supporters for their commitment.

“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation,” he added.

Confiding in The PUNCH, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, admitted that there would inevitably be a political movement if both Obi and Kwankwaso agreed to work together.

He said, “I think that whichever way, there is bound to be a movement. If they are going to work together, there is bound to be a movement, either to the ADC, NNPP or somewhere else.”

On concerns about the viability of the NNPP amid lingering litigations, Johnson dismissed the notion that the development was peculiar to his party.

“Virtually, every party has litigation because it is one of the tactics being deployed by the ruling party,” he noted

On whether the NNPP would back its leader if he contests on the ADC platform, Johnson said the party would take a collective decision in line with its constitution.

He said, “If Kwankwaso decides to run for the presidency on another platform, it is only natural that the National Working Committee of the NNPP would meet and summon the NEC to take a decision that we will obviously be in alignment with wherever he is going.

“Definitely, he will be moving there along with the full support of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. But as I earlier said, the NNPP will make a decision to have a strategic alliance with the prospective party. Nothing is stopping it from doing that. It is in the constitution.”

He also expressed confidence in Kwankwaso’s political strength despite recent developments in Kano.

“Do you know why I am confident? Abba’s rebellion was not a betrayal of Kwankwaso or the NNPP. It was a betrayal of the mandate of the people of the state. And I assure you that since that day, Kwankwaso has been getting bigger and stronger.

“Look at how they welcomed Obi. Nobody knew Obi was coming. They just came to pay homage at Sallah. It’s a traditional thing they do in the north. You go and pay homage to the emir and to Kwankwaso,” he added.

Also speaking, Obi’s former campaign spokesman and National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said the idea of an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket was gaining traction among Nigerians.

He said, “I started this particular narrative on the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. It seems to be the most acceptable if you are going to do a public poll.

“It is obvious. So it is the people who will vote. And if that is their preferred choice, why not?”

On whether both politicians were willing to work together, Tanko said their positions had evolved since the 2023 elections.

“Well, there has been a shift in their mindsets, considering the result of the 2023 poll. And I can authoritatively tell you that when the opportunity beckons to them, they will be willing to work together.”

The Obidient coordinator dismissed speculations that the two camps were considering registering a new political party.

He said, “That would be an exercise in futility because registration of a new party cannot be done now. And I think that shop has already been closed. So the speculation is out of it.

“Just as I said, if the opportunity beckons for these two persons, quote me, they are willing to work together.”

Tanko added that opposition parties could form a broader alliance ahead of the next election cycle.

“All political parties in the opposition will likely come together and work together as a team. You can see the euphoria that welcomes this particular visit that we made to Kano, and it was a heavily welcomed thing.

“So we are hoping that it will kind of metamorphose into an alliance of all opposition parties because that is what we need at the moment, now in this country.

“It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together as a team for the benefit of Nigeria, both as a political party and individuals who have the capacity to dislodge this particular government that has added little value to human dignity in Nigeria.

“The vehicle to be used may be decided by the people. The pathway to get to that particular destination will also be discussed by the leaders. Once the objective and the goal are similar and agreed upon, all other indices come in as an appendage,” he stated.

The Obidient Movement and NNPP, however, pushed back against allegations by critics that Obi staged a “rented crowd” during his recent visit to Kano.

In separate interviews with The PUNCH, Ladipo and Tanko rejected the insinuation outright, attributing the viral claims to a misinterpretation of unrelated footage.

Ladipo maintained that both Obi and Kwankwaso have never relied on inducements to mobilise supporters.

“Rented crowd? Never. Even when Kwankwaso was doing declaration, he was like everyone who can come should come. He didn’t send money to the states or any organiser to bring people. You should have seen the crowd. They filled the whole of Maitama.

“Of course. Everybody knows Obi very well. Will he or Kwankwaso put one Kobo down? The truth is that the crowd didn’t even know the people coming. They just came for Sallah homage.”

Also speaking, Tanko described the allegation as baseless, stressing that the reception Obi received in Kano reflected spontaneous goodwill rather than orchestrated mobilisation.

He said, “Rented crowd? These people are funny. If you go and rent a crowd, would you also rent their mouth? It was spontaneous. The kind of love that was shown to Obi was spontaneous. These are not even Obidient members.

“What you saw are the Kwankwasiya members’ rent. You cannot rent a crowd for Kwankwaso. No way! Anybody saying that is just uncharitable with the respect that we give to people of Kano State.”

Delegates from Kebbi, Ekiti, Bauchi nd several other states on Sunday led the charge at the 2026 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, which was backed by the  Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The party unveiled 19 new members of its National Working Committee at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja in a move aimed at repositioning the opposition platform.

The PDP Constitution (2017, as amended) provides for a 19-member NWC at the national level, outlining its structure and responsibilities within the party’s leadership framework.

According to Part VIII of the Constitution, the National Working Committee comprises the National Chairman, two Deputy National Chairmen, the National Secretary and Deputy National Secretary, the National Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Organising Secretary, Publicity Secretary, Auditor, Legal Adviser, Woman Leader, Youth Leader, as well as the National Vice Chairmen.

The PUNCH reported on March 25 that the Wike-backed PDP adopted a consensus approach in selecting members of the National Working Committee, who will oversee the party’s affairs for the next four years.

The NWC members, along with other national positions and their respective consensus candidates, were affirmed by over 2,500 delegates as follows: National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed; Deputy National Chairman (South), Aaron Chukwuemeka; Deputy National Chairman (North), Yusufu Akirikwen (SAN); National Secretary, Anyanwu Samuel; Deputy National Secretary, Kolawale Olabisi; National Treasurer, Odeyemei Oladiran; and Deputy National Treasurer, Lado Marke.

Other positions are National Financial Secretary, Eyim Henry; Deputy National Financial Secretary, Dr Grema Kyari; National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature; and Deputy National Organising Secretary, Efere Augustine.

Others are National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed; Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Egwu Chidiebere; National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN); Deputy National Legal Adviser, Aloysius Uba; National Auditor, Osuoha Donatus; Deputy National Auditor, Dr Adaba Yatu; National Youth Leader, Ibrahim Aboki; and Deputy National Youth Leader, Momoh Bashir.

The positions of the National Women Leader went to Prof Ogunshe Adedayo, while the Deputy National Women Leader is Hauwa Shinge.

Attendance at the convention, however, reflected a mix of alignment and division, as delegates from Benue, Ekiti, and Ogun States took part in the exercise, while their counterparts from Edo State and others boycotted the Convention.

In Sokoto State, the crisis within the party deepened, with the pro- acting National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature group openly defying the boycott directive and participating in the convention, further highlighting internal fractures.

Amid the tensions, key party leaders, including Chairman of the Convention Organising Committee, former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, newly elected Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammeh, PDP National Leader, Wike, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki and former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, among others, called for reconciliation and unity, stressing the need to close ranks and rebuild trust ahead of future political contests.

The Secretary of the PDP in Ogun State, Dr Sunday Solarin, confirmed on Sunday that some members of the opposition party were present at the national convention.

He noted that while the state chairman and party leader, Abayomi Tella and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, are also in Abuja, he could not confirm whether they would attend the national congress being organised by the former governor of Rivers State.

Asked about state delegate participation in the Abuja Congress, Solarin said, “Some members, believing Wike controls the party, have gone to Abuja for the convention. Others, like myself, who support the Turaki-led side, have stayed away.”

Solarin added that the party chairman, Abayomi Tella, and Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, were present at the convention.

He stated that Tella and Adebutu were in Abuja and mentioned that many party members had also arrived recently.

“So, for anybody aware that I was in Abuja yesterday, could unknowingly believe that I was there to attend the convention, whereas I am right now in my residence at Ogere Remo.

“Let me also mention that both sides are also carrying on with the reconciliation efforts that are being initiated by the leadership of both sides. So, I can also affirm that the reconciliation process has not been dismantled.

“And definitely, these party leaders must be around to see through this reconciliation exercise. The leadership must be on the ground to manage the two tendencies, that is, those who believe in Wike-led leadership and those of us on the side of Turaki”.

Also, the PDP bloc in Ekiti State, led by former Governor Ayo Fayose, joined other delegates in participating in the National Convention.

The state Chairman of the PDP bloc, Lanre Omolase, who said the convention was real, said, “I am already at the venue of the convention in Abuja. We are here, the convention is holding, this is where the PDP is”.

Omolase had last week stated that his group was the genuine PDP in the state, saying, “The authentic PDP members at all levels are here with the Abduraham Mohammed-led National Caretaker Committee.”

Similarly, delegates from Benue State, led by former Governor Samuel Ortom, attended the convention.

The media consultant for the party in the state, Bemgba Iortyom, disclosed this in a telephone chat with our correspondent on Sunday.

He said, “We are currently in Abuja for the ongoing party national convention. We will talk later.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party in Kebbi State has expressed support for the national convention. The State Secretary, Abubakar Bawa Kalgo, confirmed that the state chapter fully participated in the Abuja gathering, with all delegates mobilised for the two-day exercise.

“We are satisfied with the arrangements… and all our delegates participated fully,” Kalgo said.

Also, a chieftain of the PDP in Oyo State and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, confirmed that the Wike-led convention was well attended by delegates across the country.

Gbolarumi, who spoke at the convention venue on Sunday, declared that the party’s convention was well attended by the party’s delegates across the country.

He said, “The convention is simply fantastic. All the states are well represented. Even Sule Lamidi has just spoken at the convention. And Senator Bukola Saraki and some former state governors are here. There are just too many, and even some people were disallowed to enter the venue of the convention since their chairmen and other key stakeholders had been represented. We couldn’t just accommodate everyone.”

However, the Chairman of the Gombe State chapter of the PDP, Maj. Gen Mamman Kwaskebe (retd.) stated that the state’s delegates are not present at the convention due to unresolved issues.

He did not disclose the specifics of the challenges but maintained that they would not attend until the matters are resolved.

“I’m in Abuja, not at the convention. It is ongoing, quite all right, but technically, there are some challenges. Until they are identified and resolved, we will not be present. I will get back to you,” he said.

Also, the Edo State Chairman of the PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, stated that the state chapter did not attend the convention, describing it as illegal and urging other states to stay away.

He noted that there is a pending case before the Supreme Court yet to be determined, adding that holding a convention at this time would amount to an affront to the law.

He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that impostors are not part of the gathering and to verify that the list of delegates presented aligns with its records.

The chairman said, “The convention by the Wike faction is illegal as there is a case at the Supreme Court which is yet to be decided.

“I will urge the state chairman and their members not to attend the convention because it is illegal. INEC should also monitor those being paraded as delegates. They are impostors, and the list being used might not tally with the one with INEC.”

Meanwhile, a new division has emerged within the party in Sokoto State, as a pro-Bature group openly rejected the position of the state chapter and confirmed its participation in the controversial national convention in Abuja.

The group, led by Chairman Abubakar Danmafara, dismissed claims by the state leadership that Sokoto PDP would boycott the convention, describing the assertion as false, misleading, and a misrepresentation of the facts.

He stated, “We wish to categorically state that Sokoto State remains an integral part of the PDP and cannot be excluded from such a crucial national exercise,” Danmafara said in a press statement issued Sunday.

“The attempt to distance the state from the convention is not only unfortunate, but also misleading.”

The rebuttal follows an earlier declaration by the Sokoto PDP Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sanyinnawal, who reportedly announced that the state chapter would not attend the Abuja gathering, citing internal alignments within the party.

In a new development, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has initiated steps to address the lingering crisis within the PDP in the state.

Mohammed on Sunday emerged as chairman of a consultative committee established to chart a path forward for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development followed an emergency, expanded closed-door meeting of key stakeholders convened by the governor at the Bauchi Government House, amid concerns over internal divisions and the approaching deadline for candidate submissions.

The high-level meeting, attended by party leaders, underscored the urgency of the discussions.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Bauchi State PDP Chairman Samaila Burga said stakeholders unanimously agreed to set up a reconciliation and strategy committee.

According to him, “The committee, under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, has been mandated to, within one week, resolve all lingering disputes and position the party for smooth participation in the 2027 general elections.”

Speaking in Abuja, former Abia State Governor and Chairman of the 2026 National Convention Planning and Organising Committee, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has said that reconciliation within the PDP is not optional, but fundamental to the party’s future.

Ikpeazu made this remark while addressing members at the PDP 2026 National Elective Convention on Sunday, where he called on party faithful to place a premium on unity and restore trust as they prepare for forthcoming political contests.

He stated, “The last time our party assembled at a national convention to elect members of the National Working Committee was in October 2021 at Eagle Square here in Abuja. Since that moment, our great party has traversed a challenging and at times turbulent path.

“The tenure of that National Working Committee witnessed internal leadership strains and institutional tests at the centre. These developments ultimately culminated in the decisive intervention of the National Executive Committee at its 104th meeting in December 2025, where a National Caretaker Working Committee was constituted in the overriding interest of stability and continuity.

“Today, however, we stand once again at the threshold of history. We are gathered under the compelling and forward-looking theme of this Convention: Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal. This theme is not a mere slogan; it is a strategic imperative. It speaks directly to our present reality and defines the pathway to our collective future. It calls on us to close ranks, rebuild trust, and reposition our party as the foremost platform for democratic governance in Nigeria.”

He said the moment goes beyond procedure, describing it as a deeply symbolic democratic milestone that reflects renewal and a renewed commitment to justice, equity, unity, and a people-focused party.

The ex-governor added, “We may have lost some elections, but this vital credential still resides with us, and we need to guard it with even greater zeal at our disposal.

‘’It is because of your faith and steadfastness in this party that we must now resolve: from this convention, we shall rebuild, rebrand, and reposition the PDP into a stronger, more cohesive, and forward-looking political force, ready to reclaim its leadership role in the governance of our dear country.

“To the National Working Committee that will emerge from this Convention, I congratulate you in advance. But let me also sound a note of clear responsibility: the task before you is onerous, urgent, and unavoidable. The duty of genuine reconciliation within our party is not optional; it is fundamental.

“Your work begins immediately. You must act decisively to heal divisions, rebuild trust, restore discipline, and strengthen internal democracy across all levels of the party structure. Let the theme of this Convention—Inclusiveness, Unity, and Renewal—serve not merely as a guiding principle, but as a binding commitment.”

The newly elected National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, declared the opening of the party’s National Convention, describing it as a moment of inclusiveness, unity, and renewal.

He noted the party’s recent internal disputes and said the convention is focused on restoring order and internal stability rather than rivalry.

Mohammed stated that recent court rulings should not be seen as a win for any side, but a call to uphold due process and constitutional order.

He urged members to prioritise the party over personal ambition and embrace unity and discipline. He said the convention should mark a fresh start, positioning the PDP to better address national challenges.

On his part, Saraki urged other party members who are still undecided to come on board, noting that the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission validates the gathering.

“As I walked in, not only seeing the people but also the presence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, I say this because some of us have always advocated for our mission to ensure that we are not alone and that we create a platform in the PDP for those who wish to aspire for any ambition come 2027.

“To do that, we must ensure the validity of our processes. So, we are here now at a convention that has the validity of INEC in this process.

“Today is a great opportunity for us in the PDP to chart our way forward, because we now have a party that can present candidates in the 2027 election. We now have a party that people can no longer ridicule. Now we know the PDP will be on the ballot paper in 2027. This is a great achievement. Months ago, many did not think this was possible.”

Saraki, who affirmed that the PDP was here to stay, admonished the new NWC members to honour the sacrifices made and to promote fairness and unity.

He stated, “As I was making my way here, I spoke with some people and urged them to join us. If I see any further confirmation of legality, I will be part of this process from tomorrow. I call on those still concerned about legality and validity to join us. Let us come together and hold ourselves as one family. It is not about individual interests but the collective responsibility of this great party to this great country.

“PDP has come to stay, and I have come to stay, and insha Allah, not only to stay but to be victorious in the 2027 elections. I also appeal to those who will be elected today to honour the sacrifices made and ensure fairness to all, providing a level playing field for all aspirants.

‘’Let us come together and lead the PDP to where it belongs—in the democracy and governance of this great country.”

Wike, in his speech, commended party members for their efforts in restoring the main opposition party to its rightful owners—the people, stressing that this reflects the party’s founding principles.

“It is gladdening to note at this juncture that, throughout this period of morbid and avoidable crisis, our members at the grassroots across all the wards in this country remained largely stable in their dedication to the party. They insisted that they would never leave the party that has, over the years, contributed in no small measure to their welfare and upliftment on the one hand and the development of the society at large.

“So, while they watched the ugly spectre of the infidelity of opportunistic elites that were gyrating from one party to another in the pursuit of selfish purposes, they remained faithful to the party, praying fervently for a renaissance to come. Their prayers have been answered by God, and that renaissance is here.

“Together with all and sundry across all the nooks and crannies of our country, we shall rebuild our party in such a way that would meet the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of Nigerians.”

The FCT minister further noted that the party’s future must be built on inclusiveness, unity, and renewal, and called on all members, past and present, to come together and rebuild for the common good.

He continued, “No one would be excluded, and everyone would be given an equal opportunity to serve in unity and love. We must all pledge to a renewal of our commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the party. We must all sacrificially commit to a new era of purpose and collective vision predicated on the core values enunciated by our founding fathers.

“This party was built fundamentally, as a People’s Party, and we must therefore, moving forward, create legitimate channels through which the people’s voices must be heard and upheld.”

The PDP had split into two rival factions after nearly three years of internal crisis. Following the development, the governors’ bloc, supported by Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, held a convention in Ibadan on November 16, where Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and others were elected into the National Working Committee.

In response, the faction aligned with  Wike set up a 13-member National Caretaker Working Committee in December, appointing Abdulrahman Mohammed as Acting National Chairman and Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Secretary to manage the party for 60 days pending a substantive convention.

On February 12, the Court of Appeal heard consolidated suits on the leadership crisis and, on March 9, upheld an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court, declaring the Ibadan convention invalid for breaching the Electoral Act, the Constitution, and the PDP constitution.

In a separate ruling, another Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Biobele Georgewill advised all parties to pursue an amicable resolution.

Although both factions initially signalled willingness to reconcile after the March 9 judgment, persistent disagreements, particularly among the governors, suggested the process had stalled. However, Turaki later confirmed that talks had resumed.

In a motion dated March 27, 2026, the party, its National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, and the governors’ bloc approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria seeking a stay of execution of the appellate judgment, including a request to halt the Wike-backed convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

Despite this, the Wike bloc mobilised about 2,500 delegates to Abuja to affirm 19 party leaders as members of the NWC.