Political Tension Rises As Abati Sends Strong Message On Peter Obi And NDC

Former presidential aide, Reuben Abati, has cautioned that the Nigeria Democratic Congress should not turn into a gathering place for “internally displaced politicians,” following the surge in its membership after recent high-profile defections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abati made the remarks on Tuesday during ARISE Television’s Morning Show, while analysing the impact of the defection of former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the party.

He noted that the development has significantly boosted the party’s profile, with its membership reportedly rising from about 9.4 million to over 10 million, positioning it as a potential strong opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, Abati warned that the growing influx of politicians must not weaken the party’s structure or dilute its ideological direction.

He said the NDC must remain focused on building a clear relationship with the Nigerian people rather than becoming a safe landing space for displaced political actors.

According to him, “Mr. Peter Obi and Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso joining the NDC has changed the momentum in the Nigerian Democratic Congress. Now the NDC has suddenly become the beautiful bride. But Nigeria is a very interesting country.”

He added, “The NDC may even emerge as the major opposition party, but it must not become an IDP camp — a camp for internally displaced politicians.”

Abati further explained that while the party’s membership figures are rising rapidly, its ideological clarity must not be compromised by the influx of new entrants seeking political shelter.

He said, “All kinds of internally displaced politicians are running to the IDP camp that the NDC is likely to become.”

He also argued that political slogans alone are not enough, noting that every party must go beyond general statements and present a clear contract with the electorate.

Abati warned that the emergence of the NDC could reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape and serve as a wake-up call for the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress.

He said attempts to weaken opposition parties would only lead to their re-emergence in new forms.

According to him, “If you close them down in ADC, you try to close them down in PDP, they will show up somewhere else.”

He concluded that the political developments ahead of the 2027 elections are likely to be more competitive, giving voters a wider range of choices, while noting that Obi and Kwankwaso’s presence has added new momentum to the NDC.