Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly considering a political alliance with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Although Kwankwaso’s political structure appears to be gravitating towards the All Progressives Congress (APC), he is said to be in discussions with the ADC over a possible coalition, alongside members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, his core support base.
Sources revealed that discreet negotiations are already underway as the political heavyweights explore the formation of a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This comes amid strong indications that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the only NNPP-controlled governor, is set to defect to the APC on Monday.
Governor Yusuf’s planned defection has reportedly been opposed by Kwankwaso and has triggered sharp divisions within the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Sources close to the Kano governor disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima; APC National Chairman, Yitwalda Nentawe; former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; and the party’s state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are expected to attend a brief ceremony marking Yusuf’s defection to the ruling party in Abuja.
If the talks involving Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso succeed, analysts believe the alliance could significantly reshape opposition politics and alter Nigeria’s political calculations ahead of 2027.
Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso finished second, third and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential election.
While the ruling APC currently boasts the support of 28 state governors, opposition figures are quietly regrouping, banking on widespread public dissatisfaction to tilt the balance of power.
Peter Obi recently defected to the ADC alongside his supporters, opposition leaders, and several National and State Assembly lawmakers. He has joined prominent figures including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and Abubakar Malami in the race for the 2027 elections.
An ADC chieftain, Dr Ladan Salihu, said Obi’s defection has transformed the opposition landscape and positioned the party as a serious challenger to the APC.
Meanwhile, the APC further strengthened its grip on power as Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, formally defected to the ruling party on Friday.
Also on Friday, the PDP stated that while its immediate priority remains resolving leadership-related legal issues, opposition parties must ultimately work together to unseat the ruling party.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.