Kwankwaso Set to Defect to ADC Tomorrow After Abuja Meeting with Atiku

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, will formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The development follows his closed-door meeting with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja on Saturday. Sources close to the movement described the encounter as part of ongoing consultations to strengthen opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NaijaChoice News gathered that Kwankwaso is expected to register officially with the ADC and address supporters at an event scheduled for 12 noon at Kwankwasiyya House on Miller Road, Bompai, in Kano. The spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Habibu Mohammed, confirmed the move in a statement, saying it came after wide consultations and serves the best interest of the movement, Kano State, and the country.

This marks another major shift for the influential Kano politician, who recently led the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) but has faced internal party tensions. Political watchers see the defection as a boost to the ADC, which has positioned itself as a platform for opposition realignment. Atiku Abubakar and other key figures like Peter Obi have already aligned with the party in recent months.

The ADC has been holding strategic meetings, adopting policy reports, and preparing for its national convention as it seeks to present a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Party leaders, including interim National Chairman Senator David Mark, have emphasised unity and inclusiveness to challenge the status quo in 2027.

In Kano, the move is generating mixed reactions. While Kwankwasiyya loyalists view it as a strategic step to protect their structure, critics argue that defections alone do not guarantee electoral success in a state where voters often reward performance and grassroots connections over party labels.

Political analysts believe Kwankwaso’s entry could reshape opposition dynamics in the North-West, especially given his strong following among the youth and talakawa. However, the ruling APC in Kano remains confident in its own structures and incumbency advantage.