Ex- Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso, have joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, as both leaders were seen receiving membership cards in a video circulating online.

This was disclosed in a Sunday footage from the event showing the registration process. In the video, Kwankwaso was first presented with his membership card before Obi received his, indicating what appears to be their formal entry into the party.

The move comes amid ongoing political realignments among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Just hours earlier, both politicians held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the NDC at the Abuja residence of the party’s National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.

The meeting, which took place at Dickson’s residence in Guzape, is believed to be part of efforts to consolidate opposition forces and build a viable coalition ahead of the polls.

Obi and Kwankwaso arrived at about 5:18 p.m., drawing a crowd of supporters under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, who chanted “O-K is okay” as the two leaders were ushered into the premises.

Kwankwaso appeared in a white babanriga paired with his signature red-and-white Kwankwasiyya cap, while Obi wore an all-black kaftan and matching cap.

The development followed remarks by Buba Galadima, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party, who had disclosed at a stakeholders’ meeting that two prominent politicians would unveil a new political platform.

Dr. Muhammed Musa Zango, popularly known as Fatah, has formally declared his intention to contest the Kano Central Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Unveiling seven-point development agenda aimed at transforming Kano State and contributing to national progress.

Zango, who hails from Zangon Madubi in Kano Central Senatorial District, told supporters at Aminu Kano centre for Democratic research and training Mambayya House that his aspiration is rooted in years of grassroots engagement and community development efforts, including early initiatives that date back to 2003, when he supported small businesses in his community with capital to boost local economic activities.

He said those experiences shaped his belief in people-centered leadership and the need for legislative representation that directly responds to the needs of the grassroots.

Zango later presented what he described as his 7-point legislative and development agenda, which he said would guide his representation if elected senator:

He pledged strong representation at the National Assembly, promising to sponsor and support bills that would favor Kano State and strengthen its influence at the federal level.

Second, he outlined a focus on agriculture and national development, aimed at improving food production, supporting farmers, and linking agriculture to economic growth.

Third, he emphasized youth, women, and persons with special needs empowerment, with programmes targeted at inclusion, skills development, and economic support.

Fourth, he prioritised health sector development, calling for improved healthcare delivery, better facilities, and expanded access to medical services.

Fifth, he highlighted infrastructure and community development, stressing the need for improved road networks and the revival of major national projects, including the full resumption of the AKK (Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano) gas pipeline project.

Sixth, he pledged attention to water resources development, aimed at expanding access to clean and sustainable water supply systems across Kano Central communities.

Seventh, he called for the revival of Kano’s textile industry, describing it as a critical sector that once defined the economic strength of the state but has since declined and requires urgent revitalization.

Zango said the agenda reflects a practical roadmap for economic recovery, social inclusion, and industrial renewal, adding that his legislative focus would be centered on delivering measurable impact to constituents.

Zango’s entry into the 2027 senatorial race adds a new dimension to the competition in Kano Central, one of the most politically strategic districts in the state.

As preparations for the elections intensify, Zango’s campaign is expected to test its grassroots strength on the back of his long-standing community engagement and development-oriented political message.

A fresh political dispute has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State, as a leading governorship aspirant, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has publicly rejected the party’s reported adoption of a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a strongly worded statement shared via his verified Facebook page on Sunday, Pantami criticized what he described as a “coronation” disguised as a consensus arrangement for elective positions in the state. The former minister, who was in Abuja at the time of the announcement, said the process violated both party guidelines and provisions of Nigeria’s electoral law.

“Legally, there can be no valid consensus without involving the aspirants who have obtained or completed their expression of interest and nomination forms,” the statement read. He stressed that any legitimate consensus must involve the explicit, written consent of all cleared aspirants—failing which the party is obligated to conduct direct primaries.

Pantami cited Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, which outlines only two permissible methods for candidate nomination: consensus and direct primaries. According to him, the current development in Gombe does not meet the legal threshold for consensus, as there is no indication that all aspirants agreed to step down.

The controversy follows reports that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has endorsed businessman Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna as the APC’s consensus candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial race. This move has reportedly sparked discontent among other aspirants within the party.

Pantami warned that the alleged imposition undermines internal democracy and contradicts directives from the APC’s national leadership, as well as guidance from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “The total disregard for the provisions of the law cannot be ignored,” he stated, adding that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

While calling on his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, Pantami revealed that his legal team is currently reviewing the situation and may challenge the process in court. He also urged party members to prepare for the possibility of direct primaries, emphasizing the need to address existing issues within the party’s membership database in the state.

The statement, signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed on behalf of the Pantamiyya Movement, underscores growing tensions within the APC in Gombe State. Political observers say the dispute, if unresolved, could deepen internal divisions and impact the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.