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Former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly engaged in discussions with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over a possible political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ejes Gist News reports that the talks are centred on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as opposition figures explore the formation of a united front capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kwankwaso Weighs ADC Option Amid APC Pressure
Although Kwankwaso’s political structure in Kano State appears to be drifting toward the APC, sources say the former governor is holding consultations with the ADC alongside key members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, his long-standing political base.
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Multiple sources familiar with the discussions disclosed that negotiations are being conducted discreetly as the political heavyweights assess the feasibility of a broad opposition alliance ahead of 2027.
Kano Governor’s Planned Defection Sparks Rift
The coalition talks are unfolding amid strong indications that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the only NNPP-controlled governor in the country, is set to defect to the APC.
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Governor Yusuf’s reported defection has been openly opposed by Kwankwaso and has triggered sharp internal divisions within the Kwankwasiyya movement, with loyalists split over the future political direction of the group.
Sources close to the Kano State Government revealed that Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, and the party’s state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are expected to attend a brief ceremony in Abuja marking Yusuf’s formal entry into the ruling party.
Potential Impact on Opposition Politics
Political analysts believe that a successful alliance involving Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics and alter electoral calculations ahead of the 2027 polls.
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The three politicians finished second, third, and fourth respectively in the 2023 presidential election, collectively commanding millions of votes across different regions of the country.
ADC Gains Momentum as Opposition Platform
Peter Obi recently defected to the ADC alongside several supporters, opposition figures, and lawmakers from both the National Assembly and state legislatures.
He has joined a growing list of prominent politicians within the ADC, including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Abubakar Malami, all positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
An ADC chieftain, Dr Ladan Salihu, said Obi’s defection had transformed the party’s standing, describing the ADC as an emerging force capable of mounting a serious challenge to the APC.
APC Consolidates Power as Defections Continue
Despite opposition regrouping efforts, the APC has continued to strengthen its grip on power, boasting the support of 28 state governors.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang formally defected to the ruling party on Friday, further consolidating APC dominance at the sub-national level.
PDP Calls for Opposition Unity
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said its immediate focus remains on resolving internal leadership and legal disputes. However, party officials acknowledged that opposition parties would eventually need to work together to challenge the APC’s hold on power.
With realignments accelerating across party lines, Nigeria’s political landscape remains fluid as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
