Opposition Realignment: Kwankwaso considers ADC pact with Atiku, Obi

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, former Kano State Governor and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) leader, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly exploring a strategic alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The development comes on the heels of the defection of Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, along with the majority of the Kano State House of Assembly members, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This has triggered tension within the Kwankwasiyya political movement, with Kwankwaso reportedly opposing the governor’s move.

THISDAY gathered that Kwankwaso is in discussions with the ADC about joining the party alongside loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya movement. Sources confirmed that quiet negotiations are underway as the trio of opposition leaders explore a united front to challenge the APC in the 2027 polls.

Governor Yusuf, the NNPP’s sole sitting governor, is slated to formalize his defection to the APC on Monday in a brief ceremony in Abuja. Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Yitwalda Nentawe, former Kano Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and the state party chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are expected to attend.

Should the talks between Kwankwaso, Atiku, and Obi succeed, political analysts suggest it could significantly reshape the opposition’s strategy and alter Nigeria’s political arithmetic. In the 2023 elections, Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso finished second, third, and fourth respectively, highlighting their electoral influence.

While the APC continues to project confidence with its control of 28 state governments, the opposition is quietly regrouping, banking on public dissatisfaction to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.

Peter Obi formally joined the ADC on Wednesday alongside his supporters, opposition leaders, and some National Assembly and state lawmakers. He now joins a growing roster of political heavyweights—including Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Abubakar Malami—in the party’s push to win the 2027 elections.

Dr. Ladan Salihu, a chieftain of the ADC, said Obi’s defection had altered Nigeria’s opposition landscape, positioning the party as a formidable challenger to the APC. Meanwhile, the APC further consolidated its grip on power as Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang formally joined the ruling party on Friday.

The PDP, while still focused on resolving leadership legal issues, emphasized that opposition parties must cooperate to mount an effective challenge against the APC in 2027.
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