By Abdulmalik Suleiman
After months of speculation, the national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has led his supporters in the Kwankwasiyya Movement into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The former Kano State governor was joined by key allies, including the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, in declaring for the ADC.
As expected, the event drew top political figures who gathered in Kano to welcome the high-profile defection. ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, led other party chieftains at the reception.
Before the Kano ceremony, Kwankwaso had registered as an ADC member and received his party card at Gidan Kwankwasiyya on Miller Road, Bompai.
Scores of other prominent APC figures are reportedly set to join the ADC, a move that could weaken the ruling party in the state while bolstering the coalition’s prospects.
Within 24 hours, several top northern politicians have also defected, including Isa Ashiru, a key political figure in Kaduna, Senator Sabo Nakudu of Jigawa, Senator Mustapha of Kaduna North, and Senator Kabir Marafa of Zamfara. More are expected to follow.
The wave of defections carries significant symbolism for the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration whose economic reform hasn’t yielded any significant change in the country, given that Kano is regarded as the heartbeat of Northern politics. Political alignment in the North often follows Kano’s lead, and Kwankwaso’s move is expected to set the tone ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso’s cult-like following is seen as an asset that could extend across the North in the coming weeks. Beyond his grassroots appeal, the former governor is expected to galvanize northern resistance to the APC’s continued hold on power. And majority of the Northerner believe APC is a fail party.
The impact could be amplified if the ADC zones its presidential ticket to the South. In that scenario, a southern candidate running with Kwankwaso could make it difficult for the APC to avoid a heavy defeat.
The next few weeks are likely to be politically charged, with Kano poised to remain the centre of activity as the Kwankwasiyya Movement shapes the direction of the 2027 contest.
