By Ghazali Ibrahim
Following his resignation from New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has on Monday joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kwankwaso, who was the NNPP’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, announced his resignation in a statement on Sunday, citing the need for what he described as “strategic realignment.”
“I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) with immediate effect,” he said, adding that the decision, though difficult, was necessary in light of the country’s current political direction.
However, he has been received by the leadership of ADC including its National chairman Sen. David Mark and national secretary Rauf Aregbesola in a strategic step toward strengthening alternative political platforms ahead of future elections.
However, the leadership of the New Nigeria People’s Party has clarified that Kwankwaso’s decision does not reflect the position of the party as a whole.
NNPP founder Boniface Aniebonam stated that the party is not defecting alongside the former governor, stressing that members are free to make individual political choices.
“We are not joining ADC,” he said, noting that only loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya movement may follow Kwankwaso to his new political platform.
Kwankwaso’s exit comes amid growing political shifts in Kano State and within his political base, including recent defections and internal disagreements that have reshaped alliances.
The development is expected to have ripple effects across Nigeria’s opposition landscape, particularly as political actors begin to reposition ahead of future electoral contests.
