Fresh cracks have opened within the opposition ranks, with the Kwankwasiyya movement confirming that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is set to leave the African Democratic Congress for the National Democratic Congress as early as next week.
The group’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, said the decision followed a meeting of stakeholders across Kano State, where representatives from all 44 local government areas unanimously endorsed the move.
According to him, talks with the NDC are almost complete. “We’re about 90 percent there,” he said, adding that Kwankwaso is expected to formalise the switch within days. He also indicated that Peter Obi and several others are likely to join him.
The planned defection comes against the backdrop of ongoing turmoil within the ADC. Although the Supreme Court recently overturned an earlier ruling affecting the party’s leadership, it sent the core dispute back to the Federal High Court effectively prolonging the uncertainty.
For Kwankwaso’s camp, that was a turning point.
“The matter could drag on, even return to the Supreme Court,” Mohammed said. “It doesn’t look practical to remain in a party tied up in legal battles.”
He described the decision as a collective one, stressing that the movement opted for what it considers a more stable platform.
While other options, including the Peoples Redemption Party, were explored, the NDC ultimately emerged as the preferred choice.
Time pressure also played a role. With deadlines approaching for submitting party registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission, the group feared staying put could complicate preparations for 2027.
Beyond the legal issues, internal disagreements within the ADC have also deepened the divide. One sticking point is zoning an issue Obi has consistently pushed since joining the party.
His allies argue that failure to address power rotation risks undermining trust within the coalition.
Notably, Obi has kept a low profile in recent party activities, skipping meetings after the Ibadan opposition summit, where zoning was not formally discussed.
Meanwhile, momentum appears to be building outside the ADC. Supporters of both Obi and Kwankwaso have already begun mobilising under the “OK Movement,” signalling early groundwork for a possible joint ticket.
