Former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is set to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week, according to the Kwankwasiyya movement, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape. The decision follows a unanimous endorsement by key stakeholders from all 44 local government areas of Kano State. Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya movement, confirmed the development in an interview with TheCable on Friday night, stating that negotiations with the NDC are now at an advanced stage, with only minor details remaining to be finalized.
Mohammed revealed that Kwankwaso, along with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), is expected to formally join the NDC on Monday or Tuesday. “I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” he said, underscoring the potential for a broader realignment within Nigeria’s opposition parties. The move is seen as a strategic effort to consolidate opposition forces ahead of future elections and to strengthen the NDC’s presence in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano State, a key political stronghold.
The stakeholders’ meeting, which took place at Kwankwaso’s residence on Miller Road in Kano on Friday afternoon around 3:30 p.m., brought together representatives from all 44 local government areas. The gathering was convened to deliberate on political options and future directions for the Kwankwasiyya movement. Mohammed emphasized that the outcome was unanimous, with all participants giving Kwankwaso their full support to proceed with the defection. “The stakeholders have unanimously given him the go-ahead to move to the NDC,” he stated, highlighting the unity within the movement despite past political divisions.
Kwankwaso is currently in Kano and is expected to return to Abuja by Sunday, ahead of the planned defection. DAILY POST reported that he held a strategic meeting with the Kwankwasiyya structure at his residence, further indicating the seriousness and coordination behind the decision. The move is likely to draw attention from political analysts and party members across Nigeria, especially as the NDC seeks to position itself as a viable alternative to the dominant All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
This defection could influence the dynamics of upcoming political contests, particularly in the North-West region, where Kwankwaso has long been a prominent figure. His alliance with Peter Obi may also signal a broader coalition-building effort among opposition leaders. As the NDC prepares to welcome new members, the party’s leadership will likely focus on integrating these figures into its structures and advancing its national agenda. The political realignment underscores the fluid nature of Nigeria’s party politics and the ongoing quest for unity among opposition forces.
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