EXCLUSIVE: Kwankwaso to officially defect to ADC Monday

Fresh political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections appear to be gathering momentum, as former Kano State governor and national leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly set to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the planned move follows weeks of consultations involving Kwankwaso, his Kwankwasiyya political movement, and key stakeholders within the ADC.

The former presidential candidate is said to have held a series of high-level meetings in recent weeks, including engagements with party leaders and political allies in Kano.

As part of the consultations, Kwankwaso reportedly met with prominent political figures such as ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Bayelsa West senator Seriake Dickson.

Insiders say the move is part of a broader strategy by opposition figures to consolidate forces ahead of 2027 in a bid to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development comes on the heels of a political rift between Kwankwaso and his long-time ally and protégé, Abba Kabir Yusuf. Yusuf, who rose to power under the Kwankwasiyya movement, recently defected from the NNPP to the APC alongside several lawmakers and appointees.

Kwankwaso had openly opposed the defection, reportedly describing it as a betrayal, and subsequently distanced himself from the move.

With his anticipated switch to the ADC, political observers say the landscape of opposition politics in Nigeria could witness significant shifts in the months ahead.

Background

As political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections gather pace, opposition figures across Nigeria have intensified consultations aimed at forming a formidable coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The push for alliances has seen increased engagement among key political actors cutting across party lines, with emerging platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gaining traction as potential rallying points.

Former Kano State governor and leader of the NNPP, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has remained a central figure in these calculations, particularly given the influence of his Kwankwasiyya movement in northern politics.

His recent engagements with stakeholders, including Rauf Aregbesola, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde, and Seriake Dickson, underscore ongoing efforts to build a broad-based opposition front.

The situation has been further shaped by internal developments within the NNPP, particularly the fallout between Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, which has altered political dynamics in the state.

It is within this context of shifting loyalties and coalition-building that talks of Kwankwaso’s possible defection to the ADC have gained prominence.

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