Mark & Aregbesola To Welcome Kwankwaso Into ADC As Ex-Kano Gov Sets VP Condition

According to credible sources, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, is set to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday. The declaration is expected to take place in Kano, where ADC National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola are slated to receive him.

Kwankwaso is expected to be accompanied by former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, who resigned from office on Friday, a development confirmed by his media aide, Ibrahim Shuaibu. Investigations revealed that the ADC has been courting Kwankwaso for over three months to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.

During the discussions, Kwankwaso reportedly requested the party’s vice-presidential ticket as a precondition for contesting the next presidential election. He had also considered a joint ticket with Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate. Sources indicated that former President Olusegun Obasanjo played a role in encouraging the proposed alliance.

The talks gained momentum following the defection of Kwankwaso’s ally, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, from the NNPP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 26, along with members of the Kano State House of Assembly and several cabinet officials.

Plans for Kwankwaso’s declaration initially targeted Tuesday, March 24, but he reportedly delayed the move until the ADC could discuss the vice-presidential slot. After further negotiations, including a meeting with Aregbesola in Abuja, Kwankwaso agreed to join the ADC without conditions.

Sources within the NNPP confirmed that Kwankwaso will travel from Abuja to Kano on Sunday in preparation for the formal declaration, which is expected to attract a large turnout of supporters. The development follows recent visits by Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and former Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson to Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano, which he described as a celebration of unity among political allies.

Efforts to obtain official statements from ADC and NNPP spokespersons were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.