By Mary Onyia
Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has formally resigned from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), signalling a major shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a resignation letter released on Sunday, the former presidential candidate said his decision was driven by the need for a “strategic realignment” in the current political landscape.
“Considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another politi al platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation”, Kwankwaso said.
Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the NNPP, expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve as its national leader and flagbearer, noting that the decision to leave was “not an easy one.” He, however, emphasised that evolving political realities required him to seek a new platform capable of advancing national change.
Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the NNPP, expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve as its national leader and flagbearer, noting that the decision to leave was “not an easy one.” He, however, emphasised that evolving political realities required him to seek a new platform capable of advancing national change.
His resignation comes ahead of his planned defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he is expected to formally register with supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement. The move follows internal crises within the NNPP and recent defections, including that of Kano State governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, which weakened the party’s structure in its stronghold.
two-time governor of Kano State and former minister, Kwankwaso has remained a central figure in northern politics, building a loyal grassroots following through the Kwankwasiyya Movement. His political career has spanned multiple parties and alliances, positioning him as a recurring contender in Nigeria’s presidential politics.
His move to the ADC comes amid ongoing talks of a broader opposition coalition, with speculations of a joint 2027 presidential ticket involving Peter Obi. Reports indicate that allies have floated the idea of an Obi–Kwankwaso pairing, although negotiations over party tickets and roles remain unresolved.
Obi, who recently defected to the ADC himself, has intensified consultations with key political figures. He was in Kano in recent days, where he met with Kwankwaso at his residence alongside other opposition leaders, fuelling speculation about a united front against the ruling party in 2027.
Analysts say Kwankwaso’s defection underscores growing momentum toward a consolidated opposition bloc, as political actors reposition within the ADC to challenge the dominance of the ruling party in the next electoral cycle.