Major Shift: Kwankwaso Reportedly in Talks to Join Atiku, Peter Obi, and El-Rufai in ADC Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections
In a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s opposition landscape, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is reportedly exploring defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to align with heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai. Sources indicate quiet negotiations are underway for a broad coalition under the ADC banner, aimed at mounting a unified challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential race.
The development follows Peter Obi’s high-profile defection from the Labour Party to ADC on December 31, 2025, which Atiku hailed as a “significant moment” for building a virile opposition. Atiku, who joined ADC earlier, has been joined by figures including El-Rufai (former Kaduna governor), David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, and others—positioning the party as a rallying point for disaffected politicians seeking an alternative platform.
Kwankwaso’s interest stems from turmoil in his Kwankwasiyya movement, particularly reports of Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and most state assembly members preparing to defect to the APC. If successful, a Kwankwaso-ADC move could consolidate votes from the North-West (his stronghold), North-East/Central (Atiku’s base), and South-East/South-South (Obi’s influence), potentially recreating the fragmented opposition votes from 2023 that collectively outpolled Tinubu.
Analysts note the coalition’s momentum, with Atiku and Obi already signaling collaboration—though ticket arrangements remain undecided amid competing ambitions. El-Rufai’s involvement adds northern muscle, while the ADC’s growing roster includes former governors like Rotimi Amaechi and Rauf Aregbesola.
For U.S. readers following global politics, this Nigerian opposition merger echoes strategies in multiparty systems to counter incumbents, similar to coalition-building in emerging democracies. Success could reshape West Africa’s political dynamics, influencing regional stability, anti-corruption efforts, and economic policies amid Nigeria’s challenges like inflation and insecurity.
As defections reshape the field—with APC gaining governors like Yusuf—this rumored Kwankwaso defection to ADC with Atiku, Obi, and El-Rufai intensifies speculation on a blockbuster 2027 contest. Talks are ongoing, with no confirmation from Kwankwaso yet.
By Sam Michael
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