Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, will officially join the African Democratic Congress on Monday. He plans to make this formal declaration in Kano.
According to The Punch, credible sources told it that this transition follows months of secret negotiations. Consequently, several top leaders will attend.
David Mark, the National Chairman, and Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will welcome the former governor. He is expected to join alongside his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo.
Gwarzo resigned from his post on Friday. Furthermore, his media aide, Ibrahim Shuaibu, confirmed the resignation as part of this large political restructuring process.
“He (Kwankwaso) has agreed to join without preconditions,” a party chieftain stated. This comes after he allegedly requested the 2027 vice-presidential slot earlier.
“We have been talking to Kwankwaso, and he has agreed to join the ADC,” an official disclosed. However, the leader initially hesitated over the party’s 2027 ticket.
“The National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, said he was not in a position to make that kind of commitment,” the official added regarding the VP slot request.
Strategic Alliance For The 2027 Presidential Race
This development follows a period of intense courtship by the ADC. Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo allegedly remains the architect behind this alliance.
Kwankwaso previously sought a joint ticket with Peter Obi of the Labour Party. Consequently, his transition to the ADC creates a new platform for opposition figures.
“It is true. We’re going to join ADC on Monday,” another national leader of the NNPP confirmed. “Kwankwaso owns Kano, and he will demonstrate his strength on Monday.”
The ADC has also reached out to the Nigeria Democratic Congress. They are currently in discussions with leaders like Seriake Dickson to revitalize the opposition.
“We have established that Makinde and Dickson are not working for President Bola Tinubu,” an insider said. They allege that millions have fallen below the poverty line.
“Whatever it takes, we must work together and accommodate one another’s interests,” the source continued. They intend to use this bloc for future negotiations.
APC Dismisses Kwankwaso Defection As No Threat To Tinubu
The ruling All Progressives Congress has dismissed the significance of this transition. For instance, they argued that the former governor lacks a national structure.
“Kwankwaso is free to any party he wants. That is the beauty of democracy,” APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru told reporters. He showed no concern over the event.
“But he is not a threat to us, nor to President Tinubu’s second term,” Basiru insisted. He mentioned that the leader won only one state during the 2023 election.
“How can he be a threat? How many governors does he have? How many members of the Houses of Assembly?” Basiru asked during his official reaction to the news.
Bolaji Abdullahi, spokesperson for the ADC, declined to provide an immediate comment. Additionally, NNPP officials like Ladipo Johnson said they were not yet aware.
Will this new “Third Force” alliance be strong enough to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections?
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