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 movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, said the decision followed a unanimous endorsement by stakeholders, with advanced discussions already held with the NDC. “I believe him, Peter Obi, and some others will be joining the NDC,” Mohammed said.
He disclosed that representatives from all 44 local government areas in Kano met at Kwankwaso’s residence to deliberate on the move. “The stakeholders have unanimously given him the go-ahead to move to the NDC,” he said, adding that Kwankwaso is expected to return to Abuja ahead of the planned defection.
Mohammed explained that the decision was largely influenced by the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, which has created uncertainty within the party.
“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,” he said. “The entire caucus voted unanimously that a better platform, not embedded in a leadership tussle, should be used.”
He added that both the NDC and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) were considered before stakeholders settled on the NDC as the preferred platform. Mohammed also pointed to multiple legal cases involving the ADC and looming deadlines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as key factors behind the decision. “Staying in ADC at this stage would amount to waiting for Godot,” he said.
The development comes amid wider political realignments ahead of future elections, with indications that Peter Obi may also join the NDC alongside Kwankwaso.