Kwankwaso ADC defection opposition shake-up as Abati says Rabiu Kwankwaso’s move may reshape 2027 alliances and political balance
Veteran journalist and political analyst Reuben Abati, speaking in Lagos, Nigeria, on Tuesday, said the defection of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Also read: BREAKING NEWS: Kwankwaso Joins ADC in Dramatic Political Shift
The Kwankwaso ADC defection opposition shake-up, according to Abati, has strengthened the ADC as an emerging coalition platform attracting key national political figures and increasing its relevance in the evolving presidential race.
Abati made the remarks during a live appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television, where he assessed the shifting alliances within Nigeria’s opposition bloc and the strategic importance of Kano State in determining electoral outcomes.
He described Kano as a critical political battleground due to its large voter base and 44 local government areas, placing it alongside Rivers and Lagos as decisive states in any presidential contest.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano remains a powerful factor that could alter political calculations in 2027, especially following his alignment with the ADC alongside supporters from the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Abati also raised questions over internal competition within the ADC, noting that the presence of multiple high-profile politicians could trigger contestation for the party’s presidential ticket.
He referenced speculation about possible alliances involving Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar within the ADC, suggesting that such alignments could reshape Nigeria’s opposition hierarchy in unpredictable ways.
Also read: BREAKING NEWS: Kwankwaso Joins ADC in Dramatic Political Shift
Abati warned that the unfolding political realignment signals the early stage of what he described as a highly competitive and dramatic election cycle, with coalition building likely to intensify in the coming months.
