Kwankwaso Resigns from NNPP, Signals Political Realignment

Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has formally announced his resignation from the party, citing the need for strategic political realignment.

In a press statement dated March 29, 2026, Kwankwaso said his decision to quit the New Nigeria People’s Party takes immediate effect.

The former NNPP National Leader described the decision as difficult but necessary in view of the evolving political landscape in the country.

“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he stated.

Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential flag bearer in the 2023 general elections, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the party at the highest level. He thanked the NNPP leadership, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, as well as members of the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and National Executive Committee.

He also acknowledged the contributions of party members across all levels, from ward to state structures, and paid tribute to supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement for their loyalty and commitment.

Despite his exit, the former governor assured that collaboration with party members and stakeholders would continue in pursuit of a better future for Nigeria.

Kwankwaso’s resignation is expected to trigger fresh political alignments ahead of future electoral contests, as attention shifts to his next political destination.

Kwankwaso Resigns from NNPP, Signals Political Realignment

Kwankwaso Set for ADC Defection as Mark, Aregbesola Prepare Grand Reception

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is set to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that signals a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources within the party disclosed that the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, will officially receive Kwankwaso during his declaration ceremony scheduled to hold in Kano.

Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in 2023, is expected to join the ADC alongside key political allies, including former Kano Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo.

The defection follows months of negotiations between Kwankwaso and the ADC leadership, as the party intensifies efforts to build a formidable opposition coalition.

Initially, talks nearly collapsed after Kwankwaso reportedly demanded the party’s vice-presidential slot as a condition for joining ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the ADC leadership declined to guarantee such a position, insisting that no prior commitments could be made.

The deadlock was eventually resolved after a private meeting between Kwankwaso and Aregbesola in Abuja, with insiders confirming that the former governor has now agreed to join the party without any preconditions.

Kwankwaso’s move is widely seen as part of a broader opposition strategy involving key political figures such as Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, aimed at strengthening alliances ahead of the next general election.

His formal entry into the ADC is expected to reshape political dynamics, particularly in northern Nigeria, where he maintains significant influence.

Kwankwaso Set for ADC Defection as Mark, Aregbesola Prepare Grand Reception

Naira Strengthens for Third Day Against US Dollar as Forex Reforms Take Effect

The Nigerian naira recorded its third consecutive gain against the US dollar at the official foreign exchange market, closing Friday at ₦1,380.57 per dollar, up ₦3.30 or 0.23% from Thursday’s ₦1,383.88. This follows a gradual rebound earlier in the week, after the currency weakened to ₦1,386.70 on Wednesday.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) show that the steady appreciation reflects renewed confidence in the official FX window, driven by better liquidity, policy consistency, and ongoing foreign exchange reforms. Analysts attribute the gains to sustained forex inflows and tighter monetary measures that are gradually stabilising the exchange rate and reducing market volatility.

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Experts say the PASGA reforms and government measures allowing full repatriation of export proceeds for oil companies are also contributing to the positive trend. Increased transparency and structural adjustments in foreign exchange management have begun to produce measurable results, boosting investor and market confidence.

Despite the gains, market observers caution that external pressures, including global dollar strength, could challenge the naira’s resilience in the coming weeks. They note that discrepancies between the official and parallel market rates remain, which may affect importers, exporters, and individuals seeking foreign currency outside the official window.

The naira’s rebound is part of a broader effort by the CBN and the federal government to strengthen the currency, enhance foreign exchange liquidity, and stabilize the Nigerian economy amid global economic uncertainties. Analysts believe that sustained reforms and careful macroeconomic management are crucial to maintaining this upward momentum and supporting long-term financial stability.

Naira Strengthens for Third Day Against US Dollar as Forex Reforms Take Effect