Kwankwaso Considers ADC Alliance With Atiku, Obi as 2027 Opposition Talks Intensify

Kwankwaso Considers ADC Alliance With Atiku, Obi as 2027 Opposition Talks Intensify

Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly exploring 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) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources familiar with the development disclosed that discreet negotiations are ongoing as the trio and their supporters examine the possibility of forming a united opposition coalition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Although Kwankwaso’s political structure is said to be drifting towards the APC, he is reportedly holding talks with the ADC, alongside key figures in the Kwankwasiyya movement, his core political base. Insiders said the move reflects growing unease within the NNPP camp over recent political realignments.

The development 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. Sources said the planned defection has been strongly opposed by Kwankwaso and has deepened divisions within the Kwankwasiyya movement.

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According to insiders, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and APC Kano State Chairman Abdullahi Abbas are expected to attend a brief ceremony in Abuja to formalise Yusuf’s move to the ruling party.

Political analysts say that if talks involving Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso succeed, the alliance could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics and alter electoral calculations ahead of 2027. The trio finished second, third and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential election.

While the ruling APC currently enjoys the support of 28 state governors, opposition leaders are said to be quietly regrouping, banking on public dissatisfaction to challenge the party’s dominance.

Recently, Peter Obi defected to the ADC alongside his supporters, opposition figures and several National and State Assembly lawmakers, joining prominent politicians such as Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and Abubakar Malami in the race towards 2027.

An ADC chieftain, Dr Ladan Salihu, said Obi’s defection had repositioned the party as a formidable challenger to the APC.

Meanwhile, the APC further strengthened its hold on power as Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang formally defected to the ruling party on Friday. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also stated that while its immediate focus is resolving leadership-related legal disputes, opposition parties must eventually work together to dislodge the APC.

Kwankwaso Considers ADC Alliance With Atiku, Obi as 2027 Opposition Talks Intensify