Kwankwaso Considers ADC Move as Talks With Atiku Obi El-Rufai Gain Momentum

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As political calculations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly exploring the possibility of aligning with Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and other opposition heavyweights under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Reports indicate that the consideration comes amid growing defections within Kano State, including the reported movement of Governor Abba Yusuf and a majority of members of the Kano State House of Assembly to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Sources familiar with the situation revealed that while much of Kwankwaso’s political structure in Kano appears to be drifting toward the APC, the former governor has opened discreet discussions with the ADC alongside trusted figures within the Kwankwasiyya movement.

According to insiders, these talks form part of broader efforts by opposition leaders to forge a unified coalition capable of challenging the APC in 2027.

There are also strong indications that Governor Yusuf, who currently presides over the NNPP’s only state, may soon defect to the APC — a move said to be strongly resisted by Kwankwaso and one that has further deepened internal rifts within the Kwankwasiyya camp.

Sources close to the Kano Government disclosed that a brief ceremony to formalise Yusuf’s defection is expected to hold in Abuja, with top APC figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and state party chairman Abdullahi Abbas reportedly set to attend.

Political analysts believe that if ongoing negotiations among Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso come to fruition, the resulting alliance could dramatically reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics and recalibrate the electoral contest ahead of 2027.

In the 2023 presidential election, Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso placed second, third, and fourth respectively, making them key figures in any future opposition realignment.

Despite the APC’s current dominance — boasting the support of 28 state governors — opposition leaders are said to be quietly regrouping, hoping to capitalise on public dissatisfaction to challenge the ruling party’s grip on power.

Peter Obi recently made his move official, formally defecting to the ADC alongside supporters, opposition leaders, and several National and State Assembly lawmakers.

His entry into the party places him among a growing list of influential figures within the ADC, including David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Abubakar Malami, all positioning themselves for a potential showdown with the APC in 2027.

An ADC chieftain, Ladan Salihu, described Obi’s defection as a turning point, saying it has reshaped the opposition space and elevated the party’s status as a serious contender.

Meanwhile, the APC has continued to consolidate power, with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang reportedly defecting to the ruling party, further boosting its numbers.

Reacting to the shifting political landscape, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said its immediate priority is resolving internal leadership challenges, while acknowledging that cooperation among opposition parties would be essential to unseat the APC in 2027.