WorldStage– To challenge Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in 2027, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, and his Kwankwasiyya movement are shifting their political base to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with a formal registration scheduled for Monday, 30 March 2026, in Kano.
The move follows a deepening rift between Kwankwaso and his former protégé, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who recently defected to the APC.
Seen by many Nigerians as strategic step, it is part of a broader push to consolidate Nigeria’s opposition forces into a single, formidable front.
Kwankwaso is joining the ADC to align with other heavyweights, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who have also reportedly gravitated toward the party to form a “heavyweight coalition.”
High-level talks are ongoing to potentially field a joint ticket.
Analysts suggest that combining Obi’s urban and southern appeal with Kwankwaso’s grassroots “machinery” in the North-West (particularly Kano) could significantly challenge the ruling APC.
Additionally, figures like former APC chieftain Nasir Yusuf Gawuna are reportedly considering joining the Kwankwasiyya-ADC alliance to reclaim influence in Kano.
The opposition plans to capitalize on public frustration over high inflation, fuel prices (reportedly above ₦1,400), and insecurity to win over the electorate.
The ruling APC has downplayed these developments, with National Secretary Ajibola Basiru stating that Kwankwaso is “not a threat” to Tinubu’s second term.
Simultaneously, some reports suggest Tinubu’s camp has explored “neutralizing” the opposition by courting Kwankwaso as a potential replacement for Vice President Kashim Shettima in 2027, though Kwankwaso has publicly dismissed returning to the APC.
Further updates on this realignment are expected following the formal ADC registration event in Kano.
In a statement on Saturday, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiya Movement, said Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader of Kwankwasiya, has concluded plans to join the coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu.
In the statement, Sale Mohammed said: “The Kwankwasiyya Movement wishes to formally inform all its members across Nigeria and the general public that our Supreme Leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has concluded all necessary arrangements to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“In furtherance of this decision, he will officially register with the party on Monday, 30th March 2026, at his residence, Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Kano, by 12 p.m.
“Consequently, all members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement are hereby directed to proceed and register with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in their respective wards, local government areas, and states immediately thereafter.
“Members are also encouraged to fully engage in all party activities and contribute actively toward the growth, development, and success of the party at all levels.
“This strategic decision, as always, has been taken in the best interest of the movement, our state, and the nation at large.
“It reflects our unwavering commitment to the advancement of democratic values, good governance, and the collective aspirations of the people.
“We emphasize that democracy must be protected, and the will of the people must always be respected.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains resolute, united, and committed to building a better and more inclusive Nigeria.”
