THE Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress, marking a major shift in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Kwankwaso completed his registration and received his membership card at Gidan Kwankwasiyya in Kano, in the presence of party leaders and a large crowd of supporters, particularly members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
Notable figures at the event included former Senate President and ADC National Chairman David Mark, the party’s National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi.
Others in attendance were Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, John Odigie-Oyegun, and Emeka Ihedioha.
Following his move, Kwankwaso described the development as a “new dawn,” declaring, “We are ADC” in a message shared on social media.
His defection comes just a day after he formally resigned from the NNPP, the platform under which he contested the 2023 presidential election.
He explained that his decision was driven by what he called the need for “strategic realignment” in response to the country’s current political direction.
Kwankwaso is now the latest high-profile opposition figure to join the ADC, which has been adopted by a coalition aiming to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi had earlier aligned with the party.
Welcoming him, Atiku stated that the coming together of leaders with shared convictions signals a stronger opposition force.
Kwankwaso, a two-term former governor of Kano State, has long maintained strong grassroots support through the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which continues to play a significant role in the state’s political dynamics.
His latest move is expected to reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with Kano once again emerging as a key battleground.
