LAGOS — The South West coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement, Dr. Adefolaseye Adebayo, claimed on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) experienced an unprecedented surge in membership, with over 10 million Nigerians reportedly joining the party within 24 hours of Peter Obi’s defection.
Appearing as a guest on Arise Television, Adebayo characterized the former Anambra State governor as a transformative political figure whose massive national followership remains a formidable force in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. Her remarks come at a time of significant political realignment, as various factions consolidate under new banners to challenge the current administration.
During the interview, Adebayo dismissed suggestions that Obi’s political influence or the electoral prospects of his primary support base had diminished following recent shifts in the political landscape. She argued that the sheer volume of new registrations served as a testament to Obi’s enduring appeal across all six geopolitical zones.
First of all, I’ll like to say that Mr. Obi has a lot of followership in various parts of Nigeria, Adebayo stated. You cannot say that the chances of Mr. Peter Obi or the chances of the Southeast has reduced drastically. In fact, I will put it to you, just within 24 hours of Mr. Peter Obi joining the NDC, over 10 million Nigerians registered with the party.
The coordinator further asserted that Obi possesses the strategic capacity and the developmental vision necessary to challenge and ultimately unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 polls. She framed the mass defection of politicians and supporters from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the NDC as a calculated move by those who recognize where the true electoral momentum lies.
Addressing criticisms that perennial political candidates were simply following Obi into a new party, Adebayo described the movement as a rational pursuit of leadership and winning potential. That says a lot, obviously there’s something we are not getting, what is strategy? she remarked. If I am a weak person and I see a stronger person who can lead me to where I want to be, I will follow the stronger person.
She emphasized that the exodus from the ADC into the NDC occurred in a remarkably short window, which she interpreted as a collective acknowledgment of Obi’s status as a top contender for the presidency. Many of these ADC members defected into NDC within a space of 24 hours meaning they know that the person who has the capacity to win the next election is there, Adebayo added.
The claims of 10 million new members in a single day, if verified, would represent one of the fastest growth rates for a political party in Nigerian history. However, the logistical feasibility of such a massive registration drive within 24 hours remains a subject of intense debate among political analysts. The NDC, which recently secured its registration following a Federal High Court order, appears to be positioning itself as the primary vehicle for the third-force movement that defined much of the 2023 election cycle.
As the political atmosphere continues to heat up years ahead of the next national ballot, the influx of Obi’s supporters into the NDC suggests that the opposition is attempting to build a broader coalition early. While the ruling party has yet to formally respond to Adebayo’s claims, the reported numbers indicate that the Peter Obi phenomenon continues to play a central role in the country’s shifting political loyalties.
Do you think a political party can effectively manage and verify an influx of 10 million members in such a short timeframe, or does this represent a broader symbolic shift in political momentum?
