Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal has described the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a personal decision.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, May 15, 2026, Tambuwal said the duo’s move did not stem from any internal rift within the ADC.
“It was a matter of personal choice by His Excellency Peter Obi and His Excellency Distinguished Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso to leave the ADC for the NDC,” he said.
“I do not believe that it was out of any crack. I believe that they wanted to go to another platform to possibly test their popularity with the Nigerian people at the general election.”
Tambuwal also dismissed suggestions that Obi and Kwankwaso left because they could not win the ADC ticket, especially with “unfounded” claims that Atiku Abubakar’s candidacy in the party had been long expected.
“I did not hear them say so. I didn’t hear Peter Obi say so, and I didn’t hear Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso say so,” he stated.
He added that he believes the ADC, under the leadership of Senator David Mark as chairman, would have provided a level playing field for all aspirants.