The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly holding back on a possible move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over uncertainty surrounding the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, particularly the prospects of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
Sources within the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the ADC told DAILY GAZETTE that Kwankwaso’s interest in joining the ADC is tied to clear assurances that Obi would emerge as the party’s presidential flag bearer ahead of the next general election.
The sources disclosed that discussions between both camps have been ongoing for months, with the possibility of a strategic alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso forming the backbone of the talks.
The proposed political understanding is said to be part of a broader realignment effort reportedly encouraged by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
It was gathered that a three-man ADC committee mandated to engage influential political figures recently met with representatives of the Kwankwaso camp in Abuja.
However, no final agreement was reached, as key concerns remain unresolved.
A senior ADC official familiar with the discussions confirmed that negotiations were still active, adding that both sides were expected to reconvene within the next two weeks.
“We are engaging seriously and closing in, but some issues are yet to be resolved. Both committees met recently and will meet again soon to arrive at a firm position,” the official said.
A source close to Kwankwaso, however, noted that the former Kano governor was under advice from some northern political leaders and Obasanjo not to rush into any defection without firm guarantees on the presidential ticket.
According to the source, there are fears within the Kwankwaso camp that Obi could be drawn into a competitive ADC primary dominated by forces loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, potentially leaving Obi with a vice-presidential offer.
“The concern is that Obi may be persuaded into a deal after losing the primary. That is a trap Kwankwaso does not want to walk into,” the source said.
The insider added that Kwankwaso remains a key bargaining asset for Obi’s presidential ambition within the ADC, stressing that wider consultations are still ongoing.
Both the ADC and NNPP declined to officially comment on the reported negotiations.
The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he was not aware of the discussions, while the NNPP spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, said he had no information on the matter.
