Kwankwaso Finalizes Plans to Leave NNPP for ADC Ahead of 2027 Elections
The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has concluded all necessary arrangements to resign from his party and officially join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to a statement released by the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the former governor of Kano State will register with the ADC at his residence in Kano on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Strategic Political Move for 2027
This development comes as part of ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the NNPP in the 2023 elections and secured 1,496,687 votes to finish fourth, is now positioning himself within a broader coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu's administration.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement, in its official statement signed by spokesperson Habibu Sale Mohammed, directed all its members across Nigeria to immediately register with the ADC in their respective wards, local government areas, and states. The movement emphasized that this decision reflects their commitment to democratic values, good governance, and the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Recent Political Engagements and Meetings
Kwankwaso's planned defection follows a series of high-profile meetings with opposition leaders. On Saturday, March 28, he met with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja, in what observers describe as part of strategic political consultations. Atiku confirmed the meeting was a courtesy visit where they discussed national issues.
Earlier, on Thursday, March 26, Kwankwaso hosted Rauf Aregbesola, the national secretary of a political group, at his Abuja residence. While details of their discussion were not disclosed, the meeting signaled ongoing negotiations and alliances. On the same day, Kwankwaso's media aide, Saifullahi Hassan, revealed that the NNPP leader also met with Kano ADC leaders, including Balarabe Rufai, the party's national youth leader.
Broader Opposition Coalition Building
These meetings come just a week after Kwankwaso hosted key opposition figures at his Kano residence during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Among those in attendance were former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa governor Seriake Dickson. This gathering highlighted the growing efforts to build a united opposition front against the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement's statement emphasized that democracy must be protected and the will of the people respected. They declared their movement remains resolute, united, and committed to building a better and more inclusive Nigeria through this strategic party switch.
Background and Political Context
Kwankwaso has been vocal about his concerns regarding the current administration. Earlier, he accused President Tinubu of sidelining Kano State in the distribution of rice palliatives, alleging that supplies meant for the people were instead shared with APC stalwarts. He also noted the frequent changes in DSS directors posted to Kano, suggesting political interference.
As the 2027 elections approach, political realignments are intensifying across Nigeria. Kwankwaso's move from the NNPP to the ADC represents a significant shift in the opposition landscape, potentially creating a more formidable challenge to the ruling party. The ADC, which has been gaining momentum as an alternative platform, stands to benefit from Kwankwaso's political machinery and the extensive Kwankwasiyya Movement network across northern Nigeria.
Political analysts suggest this defection could trigger further movements among opposition parties as they strategize for the upcoming electoral cycle. The coming weeks are expected to reveal more about the composition and strength of the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
