2027: Kwankwaso Stalls Defection To ADC Over Obi’s Ticket Uncertainty

Former Kano State Governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has delayed his planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid concerns over the party’s presidential ticket.

Highly placed sources within the Kwankwasiya Movement and the ADC disclosed that Kwankwaso’s defection was tied to a proposed alliance with former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, under a joint 2027 ticket, an arrangement reportedly facilitated by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

An ADC official who spoke with Punch confirmed that both parties are still in talks, noting that the former Kano governor had yet to commit due to unresolved issues.

The official said, “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 next week to take, maybe, a strong decision and reach a strong conclusion. We’re still engaging, though there are some unresolved issues.”

Sources within Kwankwaso’s camp revealed that one of the sticking points in the defection drama was the uncertainty surrounding Obi’s chances of securing the party’s presidential ticket.

The source said, “Many things are playing out, and some northern leaders and Obasanjo are advising RMK (Kwankwaso) on his defection. As it is, it seems Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to get the presidential ticket in the ADC, and the card must be carefully played.

“Currently, ADC leaders are mounting pressure on RMK 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 picture we are seeing from outside is that Obi was lured into the party, and we don’t want to fall into that trap. The game ahead is that Obi will participate in the ADC presidential primary, and after losing to Atiku, he will be persuaded to take the VP slot. How far he wants to go on that, we don’t know.

“We believe the South should complete its eight years, and that’s only possible through Obi. That leaves Kwankwaso in a good position to run in 2031.”

He noted that Obi and Kwankwaso’s camps had met with some key national leaders to galvanise support for the ex-Anambra governor’s presidential ambition.

The NNPP chieftain disclosed that without the conclusion of “wider consultations,” the defection might not take place.

The source said, “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, and it is in that line that Kwankwaso can have a chance to contest the 2031 presidential election.

“RMK is still consulting, and until those consultations are concluded, nothing serious will happen. As it stands, Kwankwaso is Obi’s only strong bargaining chip for the ADC presidential ticket. Notwithstanding, politics is dynamic. A day is too long in the political arena.

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

While the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, declined to comment on the development, he admitted that Kwankwaso remained a strong political figure.

“I’m not part of any committee speaking with Kwankwaso, so I don’t know what you are talking about,” he said.

Similarly, NNPP spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, said he had “no useful information” on the matter.

He said, “I’m not in possession of any useful information on what you’re asking, so I may not be able to comment.”