2027: Details Emerge as Kwankwaso Delays Defection to ADC Over Uncertainty Surrounding Obi’s Ticket

Kwankwaso Delays Defection to ADC Over Obi Ticket Uncertainty.

 

Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has postponed plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid concerns over the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Highly placed sources within the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the ADC confirmed that Kwankwaso’s proposed move was linked to a possible political alliance with former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi. The arrangement is said to be part of ongoing negotiations for a joint presidential ticket, reportedly being facilitated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Ejes Gist News reports that unresolved issues surrounding Obi’s chances of clinching the ADC presidential ticket have stalled the process.

An ADC official familiar with the discussions confirmed that talks between both sides were still ongoing but noted that no final agreement had been reached.

Ongoing Negotiations

“We are closing in on Kwankwaso, and we will be happy to receive him,” the ADC official said. “Our committee and his met a few days ago, and they will meet again next week to take a strong decision and reach a conclusion. We are still engaging, though there are some unresolved issues.

 

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Sources within Kwankwaso’s political camp disclosed that the major obstacle to the planned defection is uncertainty about whether Peter Obi would emerge as the ADC presidential candidate.

According to one source, northern political leaders and former President Obasanjo have been advising Kwankwaso to exercise caution.

“Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to secure the ADC presidential ticket, and that card must be carefully played,” the source said.

Fear of Internal Power Struggles

The source further alleged that some influential figures loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were gaining ground within the ADC, creating fears that Obi could be sidelined during the party’s presidential primary.

“Currently, ADC leaders are mounting pressure on Kwankwaso to join the party. Of course, he is interested, but we don’t want to play into the hands of some people rooting for Atiku’s presidency who have almost taken over the party,” the source stated.

“The picture we are seeing is that Obi may have been lured into the party. The fear is that he will participate in the presidential primary, lose to Atiku, and then be persuaded to accept the vice-presidential slot.”

The source added that Kwankwaso’s camp believes political fairness demands that power should remain in the southern region beyond 2027.

“We believe the South should complete its eight years, and that is only possible through Peter Obi’s presidency. That arrangement leaves Kwankwaso in a strong position to contest in 2031,” the source said.

Wider Consultations Ongoing

Another NNPP chieftain disclosed that Kwankwaso was still consulting widely with political stakeholders across the country before taking a final decision.

“RMK is still consulting, and until those consultations are concluded, nothing serious will happen. As it stands, Kwankwaso is Obi’s strongest bargaining chip for the ADC ticket,” the source explained.

“Yes, the two committees met recently in Abuja and agreed to meet again. By next week, we should have a clearer position.”

Party Spokespersons Decline Comment

When contacted, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, declined to speak on the matter, saying he was not part of the negotiation committee.

“I am not part of any committee speaking with Kwankwaso, so I do not have details on what you are referring to,” Abdullahi said.

Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, stated that he had no official information on the development.

“I am not in possession of any useful information on the issue, so I may not be able to comment,” Johnson said.

Political Implications

The unfolding negotiations highlight the complex realignments shaping the race toward the 2027 presidential election. Political analysts observe that any alliance between Kwankwaso and Obi could significantly alter the electoral dynamics, particularly in northern and southeastern Nigeria.

However, with key issues still unresolved and consultations ongoing, Kwankwaso’s planned defection to the ADC remains uncertain.