Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is considering joining forces with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as permutations for the 2027 general elections intensify.
The move comes amid the reported defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, and most members of the Kano State House of Assembly to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that has weakened the NNPP’s political grip in the state.
Talks Ongoing as Kwankwasiyya Structure Tilts to APC
Sources familiar with the discussions said Kwankwaso is holding quiet negotiations with the ADC alongside members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, even as his political structure appears to be gravitating towards the APC.
The planned defection of Governor Yusuf, expected to take place on Monday in Abuja, has reportedly deepened internal cracks within the Kwankwasiyya movement, with Kwankwaso said to be opposed to the move.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Plateau State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas and other party leaders are expected to attend the defection ceremony.
Opposition Coalition Could Reshape 2027 Contest
Political analysts say a successful alliance involving Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso could significantly alter Nigeria’s opposition landscape and recalibrate the political arithmetic ahead of 2027.
The trio finished second, third and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential election, and their combined electoral strength is seen as a potential counterweight to the APC, which currently controls 28 states.
Peter Obi formally defected to the ADC on Wednesday alongside supporters, opposition leaders and some federal and state lawmakers, further energising the emerging coalition.
ADC Gains Momentum as Obi, Atiku Join
With the entry of Obi and Atiku, the ADC has attracted prominent political figures including David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and Abubakar Malami.
ADC chieftain, Dr. Ladan Salihu, described Obi’s defection as a “political blockbuster,” saying it has positioned the party as a formidable challenger to the APC ahead of 2027.
According to him, the combined votes of Atiku and Obi from the 2023 election place the ADC “one leg into the Presidential Villa,” if the coalition holds.
Mutfwang Defects to APC, Strengthens Ruling Party
Meanwhile, the APC further consolidated its dominance as Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.
Speaking at a ceremony in Jos, Mutfwang said his decision followed “prayer, consultation and deep reflection,” describing the move as part of efforts to unite Plateau State and strengthen its national influence.
He pledged loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and expressed optimism that the state could deliver one million votes for the APC in 2027.
PDP Faults Defection, Signals Willingness for Alliance
The PDP criticised Mutfwang’s defection, calling it a betrayal of the party’s mandate and an act of political opportunism. The party insisted there were no constitutional grounds for the governor to defect without vacating his seat.
However, the PDP also signalled openness to broader opposition cooperation. National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the party is focused on resolving internal legal issues and rebuilding, while not ruling out alliances to challenge the APC.
ADC Dismisses Factional Claims, Eyes Grassroots Expansion
Addressing concerns about internal divisions within the ADC, Salihu dismissed claims of factionalism, insisting the party remains united and resilient.
He stressed that the ADC’s priority is consolidation and grassroots expansion rather than early fixation on presidential candidacies, adding that internal democracy would determine the party’s flagbearer.
As defections, alliances and negotiations continue, Nigeria’s opposition politics appears set for a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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