Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, is reportedly set to abandon the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), along with thousands of his supporters. Sources within the Kwankwasiyya Movement indicate that the mass defection is expected to take place next week.
Strategic Meeting Triggers Defection
According to Daily Trust, the decision followed a unanimous endorsement by stakeholders of the Kwankwasiyya Movement after a strategic meeting held at Kwankwaso's residence on Miller Road in Kano. The sources disclosed that discussions with the NDC have reached advanced stages, with only minor details remaining to be finalized. They added that Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, are expected to formally join the NDC next week.
Reasons Behind the Move
The planned defection has been defended by prominent figures in the Kwankwasiyya Movement, citing numerous court cases within the ADC. Yusuf Kofarmata, a leader in the movement and a close ally of Kwankwaso, stated that the ADC is battling several legal challenges and structural issues that could threaten its survival. The revelation of the mass defection comes after the Supreme Court judgment that recognized David Mark's leadership of the ADC and directed complainants to the trial court.
Public Reactions
The announcement has sparked reactions from Nigerians. Adnan Abdullahi Adam expressed distrust in Kwankwaso, saying, "From day one, I don't believe Kwankwaso's sincerity in joining the ADC. He acts like a schemer trying to harvest a huge profit. Even his association with Peter Obi seems to be a hoax. If all oppositions refuse to come together and put away their greed and ego, they will all lose."
Malam Dikko Bello (PhD) criticized Kwankwaso, stating, "Kwankwaso is absolutely an ingrate; everyone has left him. Ganduje (a soft-hearted man) left him. Abba (an even softer-hearted) has to leave. Thank God he's been exposed as what he really is."
Korex accused Kwankwaso of using Peter Obi: "In all these, Kwankwaso is obviously using Innocent Peter for his 2031 leverage, but the naive Peter does not see the pattern. He's convinced Kwankwaso cares so much about him, but that is a lie. How he and his followers couldn't see this is still baffling."
Sulaiman projected their fate in NDC: "They will not stay long in NDC if they fail to convince the members that they are good enough to lead them. How long will they stay in NDC before they move to the next bus stop?"
