News Report:
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is poised to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week, in a move that could reshape the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Habibu Mohammed, who said the decision followed a unanimous endorsement by key stakeholders across Kano State.
According to Mohammed, representatives from all 44 local government areas met at Kwankwaso’s residence and collectively agreed on the defection. He added that discussions with the NDC are about 90 per cent complete, with only minor issues left unresolved.
Mohammed also disclosed that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, is expected to join the NDC alongside Kwankwaso and other political figures, further strengthening the party’s emerging coalition.
He attributed the decision to the lingering leadership crisis within the ADC, citing the recent Supreme Court of Nigeria ruling that returned the dispute to the Federal High Court as a key source of uncertainty.
Mohammed warned that remaining in the ADC could jeopardise the movement’s political ambitions, particularly in light of ongoing legal battles and the approaching deadline for submission of party membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He noted that the movement had considered both the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the NDC before ultimately settling for the latter.
Internal disagreements within the ADC, including disputes over consensus candidacy and unresolved zoning arrangements, were also cited as contributing factors. Mohammed further claimed that Obi has distanced himself from ADC activities, reportedly expressing dissatisfaction over the party’s handling of the presidential ticket zoning issue.
The anticipated defections signal a potential realignment within Nigeria’s opposition bloc as political actors begin positioning for the 2027 elections.
