2027: Kwankwaso Weighs Alliance With Atiku, Obi Under ADC as Kano Power Base Tilts to APC
By Queen Madaki | The Bureau News
Nigeria News Today: As preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to gather momentum, former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly weighing the option of teaming up with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The development follows the reported defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside a majority of members of the Kano State House of Assembly, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While Kwankwaso’s political structure in Kano appears to be gravitating toward the APC, sources told THISDAY that the former governor is already in quiet talks with the ADC regarding a possible move, alongside loyal members of the Kwankwasiyya political movement.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, discussions are ongoing among leading opposition figures on the formation of a broad coalition aimed at challenging the APC in the 2027 elections.
Strong indications have also emerged that Governor Yusuf, who currently governs the only NNPP-controlled state, is expected to formally defect to the APC on Monday, a move said to have deepened internal divisions within the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Kwankwaso is reportedly opposed to the governor’s planned defection, a disagreement that has triggered sharp internal tensions among party loyalists in Kano State.
Sources close to Governor Yusuf disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Yitwalda Nentawe, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and the APC state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are expected to attend a brief defection ceremony in Abuja.
Political analysts believe that if talks between Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso succeed, the alliance could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition landscape and alter the political calculations ahead of 2027.
Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso finished second, third, and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential election.
Despite the APC projecting confidence with control of 28 state governments, opposition leaders are said to be quietly rebuilding their structures, banking on growing public dissatisfaction to recalibrate the balance of power.
Peter Obi had on Wednesday formally joined the ADC alongside supporters, opposition leaders, and some National Assembly and State Assembly lawmakers.
Obi now aligns with prominent political figures including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, Abubakar Malami, and others, all positioning for a possible joint push in the 2027 elections.
Speaking on the development, ADC chieftain Dr. Ladan Salihu said Obi’s entry into the party has altered the opposition dynamics and positioned the ADC as a serious challenger to the ruling APC.
Meanwhile, the APC has further consolidated its dominance following the formal defection of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to the ruling party.
Reacting to the unfolding political realignments, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said its immediate priority remains resolving internal legal leadership issues, while stressing that opposition parties must unite to effectively challenge the APC.
As reported by The Bureau News, Nigeria’s political terrain is expected to witness intensified negotiations and defections as the 2027 elections draw closer.
