Crowd chants ‘Obi-Kwankwaso’ as Kwankwaso officially joins ADC in Kano

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Monday formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a move that underscores growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso completed his registration into the party at his residence, Gidan Kwankwasiyya, situated on Miller Road in the Bompai area of Kano, where he was officially issued his ADC membership card.

The event drew a large crowd of supporters and political associates, with a viral video circulating online showing attendees chanting “Obi-Kwankwado,” an apparent call for a possible joint presidential ticket between the former Kano State governor and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Several notable political figures were present at the ceremony, including ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, Senator David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Peter Obi; Senator Dino Melaye; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Kwankwaso’s defection came a day after he announced his resignation from the NNPP, bringing an end to his association with the party.

In a statement confirming his exit on Sunday, the former Minister of Defence said his decision to leave the NNPP was immediate and driven by the need for a new political direction.

“I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party with immediate effect,” he said.

He acknowledged that leaving the party was a difficult step, considering his longstanding involvement with it, but noted that the evolving political environment in the country made a strategic shift necessary.

“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,” Kwankwaso stated.

The former governor expressed appreciation to the leadership of the NNPP, particularly the party’s National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, and other organs of the party for their support during his time with them.

He also thanked members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and his supporters across the country for their loyalty and commitment.

Kwankwaso assured that the movement would continue to work together in pursuit of a better future for Nigeria.

“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation,” he added.

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