Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is weighing the option of joining a proposed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, Arise News reports.
This is coming amid preparations for the 2027 polls and following the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, alongside most members of the Kano State House of Assembly, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sources said Kwankwaso is in talks with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over a possible alliance with former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
According to the sources, discussions are ongoing on the possibility of Kwankwaso joining the ADC with members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, his loyal political supporters.
It was also gathered that quiet negotiations are underway as the politicians explore the formation of a united opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Strong indications have also emerged that Governor Yusuf, who currently controls the only NNPP-governed state, is set to defect to the APC on Monday.
Sources said the planned defection has been opposed by Kwankwaso and has triggered sharp disagreements within the Kwankwasiyya movement.
A source close to Yusuf disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor of Kano State, and the APC state chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, are expected to attend a brief ceremony marking the governor’s defection in Abuja.
Political analysts say that if talks among Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso succeed, it could significantly reshape opposition politics and alter Nigeria’s political calculations ahead of 2027.
Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso placed second, third and fourth, respectively, in the 2023 presidential election.
While the ruling APC currently boasts 28 governors, opposition figures are said to be rebuilding, banking on public discontent to reset the balance of power.
Obi had on Wednesday defected to the ADC with his supporters, opposition leaders and some National Assembly and State Assembly lawmakers.
He joined other prominent politicians including Atiku Abubakar, Sen. David Mark, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, Mr Nasir El-Rufai, Mr Rotimi Amaechi and Mr Abubakar Malami in the bid to challenge the APC in 2027.
An ADC chieftain, Dr Ladan Salihu, said on Friday that Obi’s defection had altered the opposition landscape and positioned the party as a formidable challenger to the ruling APC.
Also on Friday, the APC further strengthened its position as Plateau State Governor, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, formally defected to the party.
Meanwhile, the PDP said on Friday that while its immediate concern was resolving legal issues surrounding its leadership, opposition parties must work together to defeat the ruling party.
Related developments include warnings over a “Coalition of Strange Bedfellows” and Kwankwaso’s earlier remarks predicting a “Wind of Change” in the 2027 elections.
