The Kwankwasiya Movement has revealed that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) next week. This development marks a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Stakeholders Endorse Exit from ADC
Habibu Mohammed, the movement's spokesperson, confirmed that stakeholders from all 44 local government areas in Kano unanimously approved the move. The decision followed a meeting at Kwankwaso's residence, where leaders agreed that the ADC's internal instability made it unsuitable for their political ambitions.
Mohammed stated that discussions with the NDC have reached an advanced stage. He added that both Kwankwaso and Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are expected to formally join the NDC early next week. "I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC," Mohammed said.
ADC Leadership Crisis Fuels Departure
The movement cited the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC as a key reason for leaving. A recent Supreme Court ruling returned the party's leadership dispute to the Federal High Court, deepening uncertainty. Mohammed argued that unresolved legal battles make the ADC unstable for a critical election cycle. "If you look at the case referred back to the lower court, it might take time... It does not look feasible to stay there," he explained. He added that remaining in the ADC would be like "waiting for Godot," given multiple court cases and internal divisions.
Obi's Position Raises Questions
The planned realignment comes amid speculation about Obi's role in the coalition. He was absent from recent party engagements after the Ibadan opposition leaders' summit. Reports suggest he has reservations about unresolved issues like zoning and power rotation within the ADC. Obi has consistently maintained that equitable zoning of the presidential ticket is essential for trust within the coalition.
NDC Emerges as Preferred Platform
Mohammed confirmed that while other parties like the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) were considered, the NDC became the preferred platform for the group's 2027 strategy. Internal consultations accounted for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for party membership registers.
Political observers believe the movement of Kwankwaso, Obi, and other stakeholders could reshape Nigeria's opposition landscape. Meanwhile, a chieftain of the ADC disclosed that the party has held discreet talks with former President Goodluck Jonathan about a possible presidential run in 2027. The party has not decided on offering an automatic ticket to Jonathan.
