Former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and is set to join the African Democratic Congress, signaling a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move follows high-level negotiations with ADC leaders and has fueled talks of a possible presidential alliance between Kwankwaso and Peter Obi.
Confirming the development, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said Kwankwaso’s entry would strengthen the opposition’s push to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Kwankwaso, in his resignation, cited the need for “strategic political realignment” in response to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Meanwhile, NNPP leaders expressed surprise at the defection, noting the party was not formally informed. Internal divisions are expected, as not all members may follow Kwankwaso to the ADC.
The ADC is also considering adopting a consensus approach to select its 2027 presidential candidate, with key figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi linked to the race.
Kwankwaso’s defection is widely seen as a significant boost to opposition efforts to unseat the APC in 2027.
