Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kwankwaso completed his registration at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano, where he received his membership card in the presence of party leaders and supporters, many of whom are members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Top figures at the event included former Senate President and ADC National Chairman David Mark, National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi. Also in attendance were Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, John Odigie-Oyegun, and Emeka Ihedioha.

Announcing his move on his X handle, Kwankwaso simply wrote: “New Dawn. We are ADC.”

His defection comes a day after he officially resigned from the NNPP, citing the need for “strategic realignment” in response to the country’s evolving political landscape.

“I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with immediate effect… As a committed and bona fide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make. However, 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 said.

Kwankwaso is the latest major contender from the 2023 presidential race to align with the ADC, which has been adopted by an opposition coalition seeking to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi had earlier joined the platform. Welcoming Kwankwaso, Atiku wrote on X: “When men of conviction come together, power trembles. Welcome aboard, @KwankwasoRM.”

Before his defection, Kwankwaso held consultations with key ADC figures, including Atiku, Obi, and Aregbesola, as the coalition continues to consolidate its ranks.

A dominant political figure in Kano, Kwankwaso rose through the grassroots-driven Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has significantly influenced electoral outcomes in the state. Under his leadership, the NNPP secured victory in the 2023 Kano governorship election through Abba Yusuf, defeating the APC in a closely contested race.

However, a subsequent political fallout saw Yusuf defect to the APC, reshaping the state’s political dynamics. With Kwankwaso now in the ADC, Kano is once again emerging as a key battleground ahead of the 2027 general elections.