Dare Babalola
The 2023 presidential candidates of the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
The two opposition figures were received on Sunday evening at a welcome gathering held at the Abuja residence of former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.
Obi and Kwankwaso reportedly arrived around 5 p.m., where they met with Dickson and other key leaders of the party, including the National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe.
The leaders later proceeded into a closed-door meeting which lasted for nearly two hours and ended shortly before 7 p.m.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Dickson described both politicians as “very suitable suitors,” expressing confidence in their decision to join the party.
Kwankwaso, in his remarks, urged Nigerians interested in contesting elections on the NDC platform to register without delay.
“I would like to invite all Nigerians, especially those who are interested in contesting for elections in this party, to register as soon as possible,” he said, adding that the party would submit its membership register on May 6.
Obi also spoke on the development, highlighting what he described as the achievements of himself and Kwankwaso during their tenures as governors of Anambra and Kano states respectively.
He said both leaders remained committed to national development and pledged to do more if given the opportunity to serve at higher levels.
“We are coming to build a united, secure and prosperous Nigeria that will work for everybody,” Obi stated.
The event concluded with the presentation of NDC membership cards to both politicians.
Obi and Kwankwaso are widely expected to emerge as the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates for the 2027 general election.
