Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is reportedly in advanced discussions to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, aiming to forge a united opposition front against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. This potential realignment comes as Kwankwaso's NNPP faces internal shifts, with indications that Kano Governor Abba Yusuf may defect to the APC, weakening the party's sole state stronghold.
Quiet talks involve Kwankwaso and his loyal Kwankwasiyya movement integrating into ADC, building on Peter Obi's recent defection that has energized the platform with South-East heavyweights like senators and ex-governors. ADC chieftain Dr. Ladan Salihu hailed Obi's move as a "political blockbuster," positioning the party to challenge APC dominance through coalition strength rather than fragmentation. Kwankwaso seeks assurances on presidential or vice-presidential roles, prioritizing a platform that amplifies his Northern influence.
Opposition Realignment Dynamics
The move counters APC gains, including Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang's defection and promises of one million votes for Tinubu, amid Kogi's APC e-registration surge and Wike's PDP taunts. Kwankwaso's ADC pivot echoes Dele Momodu's warnings of opposition disunity handing Tinubu victory, potentially merging PDP, Labour, and NNPP structures for electoral heft. Sources confirm negotiations prioritize power-sharing to avoid 2023's vote-splitting debacle.
An ADC merger could reshape Nigeria's political map, blending Kwankwaso's Kano machinery with Atiku's national reach and Obi's youth appeal, directly challenging Tinubu's consolidation in states like Rivers and Kogi. While APC tightens grip through defections, ADC dismisses internal rift rumors, vowing resilience against division tactics. This development heightens pre-primary jockeying, with Kwankwaso's decision poised to tip opposition scales.