Kwankwaso Formally Resigns from NNPP, Eyes New Political Platform for 2027
In a significant political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the influential national leader of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), has officially resigned from the party. The former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential candidate announced his immediate departure on Sunday, March 29, 2026, through a formal statement obtained by journalists.
Reasons Behind the Resignation
Kwankwaso, who secured 1,496,687 votes as NNPP's presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, explained that his decision stemmed from the need for strategic political realignment. The 69-year-old politician described this as a difficult choice but emphasized that the current political climate in Nigeria left him with no alternative.
In his statement, Kwankwaso expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as NNPP's National Leader and presidential candidate. He stated: "I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) with immediate effect. I seize this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the honour and privilege of serving as the Party's National Leader and its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections."
Planned Move to African Democratic Congress
According to reports, Kwankwaso has concluded arrangements to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu's administration in the 2027 elections. Habibu Sale Mohammed, spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, confirmed that members have been directed to join the ADC.
The movement's statement revealed: "The Kwankwasiyya Movement wishes to formally inform all its members across Nigeria and the general public that our Supreme Leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has concluded all necessary arrangements to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In furtherance of this decision, he will officially register with the party on Monday, 30th March 2026, at his residence, Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Kano, by 12 pm."
Opposition Alliance Building
Kwankwaso's resignation comes amid intensified opposition coalition building. The former governor has recently held meetings with senior opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
These meetings occurred during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations at Kwankwaso's Kano residence, where other notable attendees included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Bayelsa governor Seriake Dickson. The gatherings signal potential opposition alliances forming ahead of the 2027 electoral contest.
Support for Kwankwaso-Obi Alliance
The Kwankwaso Support Group 2027 has proposed a joint presidential ticket pairing Peter Obi with Senator Kwankwaso. Group leader Abba Gwale advocated for this alliance during a meeting in Kano, describing it as an opportunity to rescue Nigeria from current challenges.
Kwankwaso emphasized his commitment to identifying with a political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change Nigeria's trajectory. He stated via social media: "However, considering the current trajectory of the nation's political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation."
This political realignment represents a significant shift in Nigeria's opposition landscape as various groups position themselves for the 2027 elections. Kwankwaso's move from NNPP to ADC could potentially reshape political alliances and challenge existing power structures in the coming electoral cycle.
