Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former Kano State Governor, has suspended plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to unresolved issues surrounding Peter Obi’s potential role in the 2027 presidential race, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
The decision comes amid ongoing discussions between Kwankwaso’s political structure and ADC leaders in Abuja, where no final agreement has been reached. Kwankwaso is reportedly seeking clarity on whether Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, will be guaranteed the ADC’s presidential ticket before committing to the move.
An ADC official involved in the process told reporters: “We’re closing in on Kwankwaso, and we will be happy to receive him. Our committee and his met a few days ago and they will meet next week to take, maybe, a strong decision and reach a strong conclusion. We’re still engaging, though there are some unresolved issues.”
The talks are centred on forming a united opposition platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. A proposed alliance would position Obi as the presidential candidate, with Kwankwaso playing a strategic supporting role, potentially as vice presidential candidate or in a key advisory capacity. The goal is to build a coalition capable of consolidating votes from the South and North, leveraging Obi’s popularity in the South-East and South-South and Kwankwaso’s influence in the North-West.
However, within Kwankwaso’s camp, there is growing caution about the arrangement. An insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed: “Many things are playing out, and some northern leaders and Obasanjo are advising RMK (Kwankwaso) on his defection. As it is, it seems Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to get the presidential ticket in the ADC… Currently, ADC leaders are mounting pressure on RMK to join the party… The picture we are seeing from outside is that Obi was lured into the party, and we don’t want to fall into that trap.”
The source added that there are concerns about a potential scenario where Obi participates in the ADC presidential primary but loses to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also rumoured to be considering a move to the party. In such a case, Obi might be persuaded to accept the vice presidential slot, leaving Kwankwaso sidelined.
“The game ahead is that Obi will participate in the ADC presidential primary, and after losing to Atiku, he will be persuaded to take the VP slot,” the insider said.
The broader objective of the alliance, according to the source, is to ensure power remains in the South for another four years beyond 2027, completing what some see as an eight-year southern presidency cycle started by President Bola Tinubu. “We are committed to seeing the South complete its eight years, which is only possible with Peter Obi’s presidency. People like Baba Ota (Obasanjo) also believe in that, and it is in that line that Kwankwaso can have a chance to contest the 2031 presidential election,” the insider explained. “As it stands, Kwankwaso is Obi’s only strong bargaining chip for the ADC presidential ticket.”
The negotiations highlight the fluid nature of Nigerian opposition politics ahead of 2027. Kwankwaso, who ran for president in 2023 under the NNPP, securing about 1.5 million votes (mostly from Kano), has been exploring options to expand his political base. Obi, who finished third in 2023 with over 6 million votes on the Labour Party platform, has faced internal party challenges and is seeking a stronger vehicle for his ambition.
The ADC, founded in 2005, has positioned itself as a progressive alternative but has struggled for national prominence. Attracting figures like Kwankwaso and Obi could transform it into a viable third force, potentially drawing from the APC’s northern base and Labour’s southern support.
A recent meeting between representatives from both sides ended without a breakthrough, with another round expected soon to address lingering concerns. Key political interests are still weighing options, including consultations with influential northern leaders and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is said to be advising Kwankwaso.
The suspension of Kwankwaso’s defection plans underscores the high stakes involved. For Obi, securing a guaranteed ticket is crucial to avoiding a repeat of 2023’s fragmented opposition. For Kwankwaso, the move must preserve his influence and open paths to future national leadership.
As discussions continue, the 2027 race is shaping up as a potential rematch of 2023’s key players, with alliances forming to challenge Tinubu’s APC. Political analysts say a successful Obi-Kwankwaso pact could consolidate anti-APC votes, but internal rivalries and trust issues remain major hurdles.
Neither Kwankwaso’s office nor Obi’s representatives have issued official comments on the negotiations as of February 1, 2026.
