KANO: Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress African Democratic Congress marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso, who also leads the influential Kwankwasiyya Movement, recently announced his resignation from the NNPP, citing developments within the country’s political environment that he said required a strategic realignment.
The former governor of Kano State made the announcement on Sunday, March 29, 2026, explaining that the decision followed consultations with political associates and supporters across the country.
The official defection ceremony was witnessed by members of the ADC National Executive Committee led by the party’s National Chairman, David Mark.
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Other prominent political figures present at the event included former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former governor of Sokoto State Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Before the ceremony, Kwankwaso completed his formal registration as a member of the ADC at his political residence, popularly known as Gidan Kwankwasiyya, located on Milner Road in the Bompai area of Kano metropolis.
In his resignation letter from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Kwankwaso hinted that he was considering joining a political platform that would provide a stronger opportunity to bring about meaningful change in Nigeria’s political system.
Political observers believe his move to the ADC could significantly influence political dynamics in Kano State and across the northern region as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections.
Kwankwaso remains one of the most influential political figures in northern Nigeria, with strong grassroots following through the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Meanwhile, spokesperson of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, confirmed that the party was aware of the discussions that eventually led to Kwankwaso’s departure.
Speaking during a programme on Channels Television, Johnson disclosed that the move forms part of a broader political alliance between the NNPP and the ADC.
According to him, the arrangement may see the NNPP backing the ADC’s presidential candidate in the 2027 election while focusing its own participation mainly on state-level contests.
The NNPP will continue to contest elections despite the exit of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso. Although at the level of the presidential contest we will be aligning with the ADC and possibly some national elections, we will still field candidates at the state level,” Johnson said.
Kwankwaso’s defection is widely seen as a strategic move that could reshape alliances among opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Analysts say his entry into the ADC could strengthen the party’s influence, particularly in northern Nigeria, where the Kwankwasiyya political movement commands significant support.
The development is also expected to intensify political calculations among major parties as the race toward the next general elections gradually gathers momentum.
