By Obinna Uballa
Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is said to be slowing plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the absence of firm assurances that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, will emerge as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Punch Newspaper reported, quoting sources within the Kwankwasiya Movement and the ADC familiar with ongoing talks, that the former Kano governor’s defection is closely tied to a proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance under the ADC platform.
The alliance, insiders say, is part of a broader political realignment reportedly encouraged by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some northern political leaders.
A senior ADC official confirmed that a three-man committee set up by the party to engage prominent political figures had met with a delegation from Kwankwaso’s camp in Abuja a few days ago. However, the meeting ended without a final agreement due to unresolved issues.
“We’re closing in on Kwankwaso and we will be happy to receive him. Our committee and his met a few days ago and they will meet again next week to possibly reach a strong conclusion. We’re still engaging, though there are unresolved issues,” the official said.
But a source within Kwankwaso’s camp suggested that the defection may not happen soon, citing ongoing consultations and strategic caution.
According to the insider, some northern leaders, alongside Obasanjo, have advised Kwankwaso against rushing into the ADC without clarity on the party’s 2027 presidential arrangement.
“As it is, Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to secure the presidential ticket in the ADC, and that card must be carefully played,” the source said.
“ADC leaders are mounting pressure on him to join, and he is interested. But we don’t want to play into the hands of people rooting for Atiku’s presidency who appear to have significant influence in the party.”
The source added that Obi’s camp and Kwankwaso’s loyalists have been engaging key national figures to build support for a possible Obi candidacy in 2027.
“We are committed to seeing the South complete its eight years, which is only possible with Peter Obi’s presidency. People like Baba Ota (Obasanjo) also believe in that. In that arrangement, Kwankwaso would have a clearer path to contest in 2031,” the insider stated.
He confirmed that both committees agreed to reconvene in the coming week to review progress in the talks.
“Yes, the committees met and agreed to meet again next week. By then, we should have a clearer position,” he said.
When contacted, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he was not aware of the discussions.
“I am not part of any committee speaking with Kwankwaso, so I don’t have information on that,” he said, though he described Kwankwaso as a strong political figure.
Similarly, NNPP spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, declined to comment, saying he had no useful information on the matter.
