Kwankwaso joins ADC defection as former Kano governor receives membership card in Kano amid major political realignment ahead of 2027 elections
Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso officially joined the African Democratic Congress on Monday in Kano, receiving his membership card in a move that confirms his departure from the New Nigeria Peoples Party following his resignation announced on Sunday.
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Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a prominent Nigerian politician and former presidential candidate, completed the Kwankwaso joins ADC defection process amid rising political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, marking a significant shift in the country’s opposition landscape.
The development followed earlier signals of his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, where he had played a central leadership role before citing the evolving political environment and the need for a new platform.
Earlier on Monday, a high powered delegation of African Democratic Congress leaders arrived in Kano State ahead of the formal defection ceremony, signalling the party’s strategic push to strengthen its national presence.
The delegation included former Senate President David Mark, who currently serves as National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Dino Melaye, and former All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun, among others.
The group landed at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, where they were received by Aminu Gwarzo, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, in what political observers described as a major show of force.
Kwankwaso is expected to be joined in the African Democratic Congress by close political allies, including Senator Rufa’i Hanga and Hashim Dungurawa, the Kano State Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, further intensifying speculation of a wider political migration within his camp.
In his resignation letter from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Kwankwaso described the decision as difficult but necessary, pointing to shifting political dynamics and the need to reposition ahead of future elections.
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Analysts say the Kwankwaso joins ADC defection could reshape opposition alignments, especially in northern Nigeria, where Kwankwaso retains significant political influence and grassroots support.
