The initiative comes in direct response to recent public comments by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the influential national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former Governor of Kano State. Last Saturday in Kano, Kwankwaso addressed his supporters amid swirling rumors surrounding the potential defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf—along with many state assembly members—from the NNPP to the APC. In his remarks, Kwankwaso dismissed the speculation as betrayal but clearly outlined his conditions for any future political alignment: he would only consider joining or supporting an opposition coalition if it guaranteed him either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket for the 2027 race.
Kwankwaso emphasized that, at the national level, his movement is actively searching for a viable platform. "We are looking for a political party to align with," he stated, adding that any such arrangement "must be one that will offer me either the presidential ticket or the vice-presidential slot." This declaration has intensified speculation about his next political move, especially given the erosion of his influence in Kano following Yusuf's reported shift toward the APC. Observers note that while Kwankwaso's Kwankwasiyya movement retains significant grassroots loyalty in the North, particularly Kano, the loss of state-level control has prompted him to explore broader national coalitions.
In reaction, the ADC—positioned since July 2025 as the preferred platform for opposition leaders seeking to unseat President Tinubu—has activated this committee to facilitate "proper engagements across all party ranks." A senior ADC official, speaking anonymously to correspondents, stressed that the committee's work is intended to remain confidential and not leaked prematurely to the public. "We are not targeting a particular political party or individual," the source clarified. "We are maintaining an open dialogue platform with all of them." The committee's broad mandate reflects the party's inclusive approach, aiming to strengthen opposition collaboration without prematurely committing to specific alliances.
However, the ADC leadership has firmly ruled out offering Kwankwaso—or anyone else—guarantees on the top tickets. Multiple party insiders corroborated that Senator David Mark, the ADC's National Chairman and a former Senate President, has communicated directly to Kwankwaso's camp that no assurances can be given regarding the presidential or vice-presidential slots. "It was clearly stated that there will be no offer of either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket from the party leadership to anyone," one source revealed. Instead, the ADC is proposing an inclusive government of national unity post-election, where stakeholders like Kwankwaso and his support base could be accommodated through key cabinet positions and other influential roles. This vision emphasizes a fair share of power for all contributing parties and figures, rather than pre-election ticket concessions.
Another prominent ADC leader noted that while the party remains closed to ticket promises, Senator Mark may personally meet with Kwankwaso in the coming days to explore alternative terms. This potential dialogue highlights the delicate balancing act the ADC is performing: wooing high-profile figures to bolster its structures while preserving internal cohesion and avoiding perceptions of favoritism that could alienate existing heavyweights.
The ADC's evolution into a coalition hub has been marked by significant high-profile defections in recent months. In July 2025, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi joined the party, bringing his experience and southern appeal. This was followed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in November, whose national stature and northern base add considerable weight. The momentum culminated on December 31, 2025, when former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi—the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate who garnered widespread youth support—formally aligned with the ADC. Under the leadership of Senator Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, the party has focused on consolidating its nationwide structures, rebuilding trust among Nigerians disillusioned by the current administration's challenges, including economic hardship and insecurity.
These developments occur against a backdrop of intense political realignments. Kwankwaso's openness to coalitions has fueled rumors of broader mergers, with some reports suggesting behind-the-scenes efforts involving figures like former President Olusegun Obasanjo to broker alliances, such as a potential Obi-Kwankwaso ticket to challenge Atiku internally. Social media discussions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) reflect excitement and skepticism, with users speculating on whether such combinations could "crush" the APC or lead to internal fractures. Meanwhile, certain ADC factions have publicly distanced themselves from these rumors, emphasizing the party's commitment to internal democracy and rejecting claims of wooing specific individuals.
The formation of this engagement committee signals the ADC's proactive strategy in a fluid opposition landscape. By pursuing wide-ranging dialogues without rigid preconditions on tickets, the party aims to attract diverse support bases while promoting an inclusive post-2027 administration. This approach could mitigate the ego clashes that have historically plagued Nigerian coalitions, positioning the ADC as a credible alternative focused on national unity rather than individual ambitions.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the success of these efforts will depend on navigating the complex interplay of regional interests, personal agendas, and ideological alignments. The ADC's discreet committee represents a calculated step toward unity, but the path ahead remains fraught with challenges. Whether Kwankwaso ultimately joins, or other figures respond positively, the coming months will be pivotal in determining if the opposition can coalesce effectively—or if fragmentation once again hands victory to the incumbent APC. With Nigeria facing pressing issues like economic recovery, security, and governance reform, the stakes for a truly competitive and inclusive political process have never been higher.
