Adefolaseye Adebayo, south-west coordinator of the Obi-Kwankwaso movement, says membership of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) surged to 10 million within 24 hours after Peter Obi joined the party.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Monday night, Adebayo said Obi’s entry into the party triggered a wave of registrations across the country.
“Just within 24 hours of Mr. Peter Obi joining the NDC, over 10 million Nigerians registered into the party,” she said.
The south-west coordinator said Obi’s political appeal cuts across regions, arguing that his support base remains strong nationwide.
“Mr. Obi has a lot of followership in various parts of Nigeria in the six geopolitical zones. There is no way the chances of Mr. Peter Obi or the chances of the south-east have reduced,” she said.
Adebayo said the movement of supporters into the party reflects confidence in Obi’s electoral strength, adding that even existing members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) defected within a short period.
“Many of these ADC members defected into NDC within a space of 24 hours. Obviously, they knew something that others do not recognise,” he said.
She added that Obi remains the opposition figure with the capacity to challenge the incumbent, citing his cross-ethnic appeal.
“I’m a Yoruba person. I’m following Mr. Peter Obi. So if somebody that is not from his own tribe is following him, why will people from his own ethnic group not follow him?” she said.
Adebayo also referenced the principle of zoning, arguing that power should remain in the south following the eight-year tenure of former president Muhammadu Buhari.
“Nigeria is for every part. This is the time for the south — in fact, I would say it is the time for the south-east,” he said.
She said Obi’s political ideology and approach continue to attract support across demographic groups, adding that his chances in the next election cycle remain strong.
