As political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to intensify, fresh details have emerged on why former Kano State governor and National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is yet to make a decisive move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite months of high-level engagements. Multiple credible sources have revealed that Kwankwaso’s hesitation is closely tied to unresolved concerns over whether former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, will secure the ADC’s presidential ticket.
DDM NEWS gathered that while talks between Kwankwaso’s political machinery, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, and the ADC leadership have reached an advanced stage, the absence of a clear guarantee for Obi has slowed momentum. Insiders describe the situation as a delicate political chess game, with Kwankwaso’s potential defection being viewed as a critical bargaining chip in shaping the ADC’s presidential equation for 2027.
At the heart of the unfolding drama is a proposed alliance between Kwankwaso and Obi, which would see both political heavyweights run on a joint presidential ticket under the ADC platform. Sources familiar with the talks say the alliance is part of a broader coalition strategy reportedly midwifed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has remained an influential behind-the-scenes figure in opposition realignments.
According to information obtained by DDM NEWS, the ADC constituted a three-man high-powered committee to interface with prominent politicians considering joining the party. This committee has held multiple meetings with representatives of Kwankwaso, including a recent closed-door session in Abuja aimed at finalising the terms of his defection. However, the talks reportedly ended without a firm conclusion, as several political and strategic issues remained unresolved.
A senior ADC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that discussions are ongoing and expressed optimism that a breakthrough could be reached soon. “We are closing in on Kwankwaso, and we will be happy to receive him. Our committee met with his team a few days ago, and another meeting is scheduled. We are hopeful that within a week or two, we will reach a strong conclusion,” the official said, while admitting that key concerns still needed to be addressed.
From the Kwankwaso camp, however, the tone is more cautious. A trusted insider within the Kwankwasiyya Movement acknowledged the meetings but stressed that a defection is unlikely in the immediate future. According to the source, influential northern leaders, alongside former President Obasanjo, have advised Kwankwaso not to rush into the ADC without firm assurances regarding Obi’s political fate.
“Many things are playing out,” the insider told DDM NEWS. “Some northern leaders and Baba Ota (Obasanjo) are advising RMK to tread carefully. As it stands, Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to secure the ADC presidential ticket, and that card must be played wisely.”
The source further alleged that there are growing fears within the Kwankwaso camp that powerful interests loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may be positioning themselves to dominate the ADC ahead of the party’s presidential primaries. According to this narrative, Obi may have been strategically lured into the party, only to face stiff opposition during the primaries and potentially be pressured into accepting a vice-presidential slot.
“The picture we are seeing is troubling,” the source said. “ADC leaders are mounting pressure on RMK to join, and yes, he is interested. But we do not want to play into the hands of those rooting for Atiku’s presidency who may have almost taken over the party. The fear is that Obi will contest the primaries, lose to Atiku, and then be persuaded to settle for vice president. How far Obi is willing to go in that direction is still unclear.”
DDM NEWS also learnt that both the Obi and Kwankwaso camps have held consultations with key national figures in a bid to galvanise support for a southern presidency in 2027. Central to these discussions is the argument that, in the interest of equity and balance, the South should be allowed to complete an eight-year tenure, a goal that many believe can only be achieved through an Obi presidency.
An NNPP chieftain involved in the consultations disclosed that Kwankwaso’s defection is contingent on the outcome of these broader engagements. “We are committed to seeing the South complete its eight years, which is only possible with Peter Obi as president. People like Obasanjo believe strongly in this arrangement. If that happens, Kwankwaso can then reasonably position himself for the 2031 presidential race,” the source explained.
The insider emphasized that Kwankwaso remains in extensive consultations and that no decisive move will be made until all strategic considerations are settled. “As of today, RMK is Obi’s strongest bargaining chip within the ADC. But politics is dynamic. A day is too long in the political arena,” he added.
Confirming the state of talks, another source noted that both the ADC and Kwankwaso committees met recently in Abuja and agreed to reconvene in the coming week. “Yes, the meeting took place, and both sides agreed to continue discussions. By next week, we should have a clearer position,” the source said.
When contacted by DDM NEWS, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, declined to comment on the specifics of the negotiations, stating that he was not part of any committee engaging Kwankwaso. However, he described Kwankwaso as a formidable political force with significant national appeal.
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, said he was not in possession of any concrete information regarding Kwankwaso’s potential defection and therefore could not comment.
As consultations continue behind closed doors, DDM NEWS observes that the coming weeks may prove decisive. Whether Kwankwaso eventually makes the leap to the ADC—or chooses to hold back in defense of a broader southern strategy—will not only shape the internal dynamics of the ADC but could significantly redefine the opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
