The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, is expected to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday, in a move that could reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple sources within both parties confirmed that the former Kano State governor would declare for the ADC in Kano, where party leaders, including National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, are expected to receive him.
Kwankwaso is also likely to be joined by key allies, including former Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, who recently resigned from office, signaling a broader political shift within the state.
Sources revealed that the ADC had courted Kwankwaso for several months, with negotiations initially stalling over his reported demand for a vice-presidential slot in the party’s 2027 ticket. However, following a series of high-level meetings, including a private engagement with Aregbesola in Abuja, Kwankwaso is said to have agreed to join the party without preconditions.
Party insiders disclosed that an earlier planned declaration was postponed after disagreements over the vice-presidential position. The ADC leadership, led by Mark, reportedly declined to make such commitments at the time, leading to a temporary setback in talks.
The planned defection comes amid shifting political alliances, including previous discussions of a possible joint ticket between Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. The proposed alliance was said to have the backing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Recent developments, including the defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC), are believed to have intensified ADC’s efforts to secure Kwankwaso’s entry into its ranks.
Sources within the NNPP confirmed that Kwankwaso is expected to arrive in Kano on Sunday ahead of the official declaration, with a large turnout of supporters anticipated.
Meanwhile, the ADC is also exploring broader coalition-building efforts, reportedly engaging leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), including Seriake Dickson, as part of a wider strategy to consolidate opposition forces.
The evolving political realignments signal early maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections, with major figures seeking strategic alliances to strengthen their positions in what is expected to be a highly contested race.
