Report: Uncertainty over Obi’s ADC ticket keeps Kwankwaso in talks, delays defection plan

Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), is reportedly treading cautiously over plans to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as discussions around a possible 2027 presidential arrangement within the party remain unsettled.

Sources close to the Kwankwasiya Movement and officials within the ADC, according to a report by Punch Newspaper, said recent engagements between both sides ended without a firm resolution, largely because of questions surrounding whether former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, would be assured of the ADC’s presidential ticket.

Insiders said Kwankwaso’s potential move is tied to a broader political understanding being explored by key national figures, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some northern leaders, aimed at forging an Obi–Kwankwaso alliance ahead of 2027.

A senior ADC figure confirmed that a three-member committee set up by the party to interface with prominent political actors met with representatives of Kwankwaso in Abuja earlier in the week. However, the meeting reportedly ended with both sides agreeing to continue consultations.

“Our committee and theirs met recently and we are still talking. There were unresolved issues, so no final decision was taken. We expect to meet again soon to reach a clearer position,” the official said.

But a source within Kwankwaso’s inner circle indicated that the former Kano governor is in no hurry to defect, citing advice from political stakeholders urging restraint until there is clarity on the ADC’s internal dynamics.

“Kwankwaso’s entry into the ADC is strategic. Right now, he is seen as a key factor that could influence whether Obi secures the party’s ticket. That is why consultations are ongoing and nothing is being rushed,” the source said.

The insider also suggested concerns within Kwankwaso’s camp about perceived influence of other presidential interests within the ADC, particularly those linked to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“There is a feeling that Obi may have been drawn into a situation where other forces are already entrenched. So, careful steps are being taken to avoid weakening the position of those seeking a southern presidency in 2027,” the source added.

According to the source, discussions between Obi’s loyalists and Kwankwaso’s camp have extended to consultations with senior national figures to build consensus around a possible power-sharing understanding that could see the South complete eight years in office before a northern bid in 2031.

Both camps confirmed that the engagement between their committees would resume in the coming days.

When contacted, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said he was unaware of the specific discussions, noting that he was not part of the committee handling such engagements.

Similarly, NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson declined to comment, saying he had no information on the reported talks.