Politics

Kwankwaso in Talks to Join ADC as 2027 Politics Heats Up

Published by admin on January 3rd, 2026.

Kwankwaso in Talks to Join ADC as 2027 Politics Heats Up

As political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to take shape, former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly considering a move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This development comes amid growing uncertainty within the NNPP, following reports that Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, along with the majority of the Kano State House of Assembly members, is set to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Kwankwaso, whose political base appears increasingly divided, is said to be holding discussions with leaders of the ADC about joining the party alongside members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, his long-standing political support group.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that behind-the-scenes talks are ongoing, with the aim of building a broad opposition coalition that could include former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, as well as the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.

Tensions within the Kwankwasiyya movement have reportedly intensified over Governor Yusuf’s planned defection to the APC, a move said to have Kwankwaso’s strong disapproval. The disagreement has exposed cracks within the NNPP’s only state-controlled government.

According to insiders, high-ranking APC figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Yitwalda Nentawe, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and the party’s Kano State chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are expected to attend the official defection ceremony in Abuja.

Should the talks between Kwankwaso, Atiku, and Obi result in a formal alliance under the ADC, analysts believe it could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of 2027. The trio finished second, third, and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential election.

While the APC continues to project strength, boasting control of 28 states, opposition figures are quietly regrouping, banking on public dissatisfaction to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.

Peter Obi recently announced his defection to the ADC, moving alongside supporters, opposition leaders, and several federal and state lawmakers. His move has been followed by a growing list of political heavyweights, including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, all positioning themselves for the 2027 contest.

Speaking on the development, ADC chieftain Dr. Ladan Salihu described Obi’s entry into the party as a turning point that has strengthened the ADC’s standing as a credible alternative to the APC.

Meanwhile, the ruling party has continued to consolidate power, with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently announcing his defection to the APC.

In response to the shifting political landscape, the PDP stated that while it is focused on resolving internal legal and leadership matters, it recognizes the necessity of a united opposition to successfully challenge the APC in the next election cycle.