Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is set to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week, according to the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The spokesperson of the movement, Habibu Mohammed, disclosed that the decision followed a unanimous endorsement by stakeholders across Kano State.
Mohammed said discussions with the NDC were nearing completion, adding that Kwankwaso and Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), are expected to formalise their defection early next week.
“I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said.
He explained that representatives from all 44 local government areas in Kano State met at Kwankwaso’s residence on Friday to deliberate on the political situation.
“The stakeholders have unanimously given him the go-ahead to move to the NDC,” he said, adding that the former governor is expected back in Abuja ahead of the move.
The planned defection is linked to the lingering leadership crisis within the ADC, which stakeholders say has created uncertainty about the party’s future.
Mohammed cited the recent ruling of the Supreme Court, which returned the leadership dispute to the Federal High Court, as reinforcing concerns.
“If you look at the case referred back to the lower court, it might take time. There could even be another appeal to the Supreme Court. It does not look feasible to stay there.
“The entire caucus voted unanimously that a better platform, not embedded in a leadership tussle, should be used,” he said.
He added that both the NDC and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) were considered before stakeholders settled for the NDC.
Mohammed also pointed to multiple pending cases against the ADC and the approaching deadline for submission of party membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as factors influencing the decision.
“Staying in ADC at this stage would amount to waiting for Godot,” he said.
Meanwhile, Obi has reportedly distanced himself from recent ADC activities following disagreements over zoning arrangements within the party.
The development comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with both Kwankwaso and Obi seen as key figures in opposition coalition talks.