Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reportedly slowed down plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid uncertainty surrounding the party’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Sources close to the Kwankwasiya Movement and the ADC disclosed that Kwankwaso’s possible defection is linked to a proposed political alliance with former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, under a joint presidential arrangement for 2027. The talks are said to be facilitated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Confirming ongoing discussions, an ADC official who spoke to Punch said negotiations between both camps were still underway, noting that unresolved issues had prevented Kwankwaso from making a firm commitment.
The official said, “We’re closing in on Kwankwaso, and we will be happy to receive him. Our committee and his met a few days ago and they will meet next week to take, maybe, a strong decision and reach a strong conclusion. We’re still engaging, though there are some unresolved issues.”
Further insights from sources within Kwankwaso’s camp revealed that a major concern revolves around doubts over Obi’s chances of clinching the ADC’s presidential ticket.
One source explained, “Many things are playing out, and some northern leaders and Obasanjo are advising RMK (Kwankwaso) on his defection. As it is, it seems Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to get the presidential ticket in the ADC, and the card must be carefully played.
“Currently, ADC leaders are mounting pressure on RMK to join the party. Of course, he is interested, but we don’t want to play into the hands of some people rooting for Atiku’s presidency who have almost taken over the party.
“The picture we are seeing from outside is that Obi was lured into the party, and we don’t want to fall into that trap. The game ahead is that Obi will participate in the ADC presidential primary, and after losing to Atiku, he will be persuaded to take the VP slot. How far he wants to go on that, we don’t know.
“We believe the South should complete its eight years, and that’s only possible through Obi. That leaves Kwankwaso in a good position to run in 2031.”
The source added that representatives of both Obi and Kwankwaso had met with influential national figures to build momentum around Obi’s presidential ambition.
A senior NNPP chieftain further disclosed that Kwankwaso’s defection would remain uncertain until broader consultations are concluded.
He said, “We are committed to seeing the South complete its eight years, which is only possible with Peter Obi’s presidency. People like Baba Ota (Obasanjo) also believe in that, and it is in that line that Kwankwaso can have a chance to contest the 2031 presidential election.
“RMK is still consulting, and until those consultations are concluded, nothing serious will happen. As it stands, Kwankwaso is Obi’s only strong bargaining chip for the ADC presidential ticket. Notwithstanding, politics is dynamic. A day is too long in the political arena.
“Yes, the two committees met a few days ago in Abuja, and they agreed to meet again. By next week, we should have a position.”
Meanwhile, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, declined to comment directly on the matter but acknowledged Kwankwaso’s political relevance.
“I’m not part of any committee speaking with Kwankwaso, so I don’t know what you are talking about,” he said.
Similarly, NNPP spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, said he was unaware of the ongoing discussions.
He said, “I’m not in possession of any useful information on what you’re asking, so I may not be able to comment.”
