The National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has put his much-discussed defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on hold.
This delay stems from uncertainties surrounding whether former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi will secure the ADC's presidential ticket for the 2027 general elections.
Highly placed sources within Kwankwaso's Kwankwasiya Movement and the ADC told Sunday PUNCH that Kwankwaso's decision to join the party is closely tied to assurances about a proposed alliance that would see Obi emerge as the presidential flagbearer, potentially with Kwankwaso in a supporting role.
The arrangement, reportedly brokered with input from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, aims to create a formidable opposition platform under the ADC banner.
A three-man committee from the ADC recently met with a corresponding team from Kwankwaso in Abuja to discuss the defection, but no final agreement was reached due to lingering unresolved issues.
Another meeting is scheduled for the coming week to attempt a resolution.An ADC official familiar with the talks commented: “We’re closing in on Kwankwaso, and we will be happy to receive him.
"Our committee and his met a few days ago and they will meet next week to take, maybe, a strong decision and reach a strong conclusion. We’re still engaging, though there are some unresolved issues.”
Insiders from Kwankwaso's camp expressed caution, highlighting consultations with northern leaders and Obasanjo. One source explained: “Many things are playing out, and some northern leaders and Obasanjo are advising RMK (Kwankwaso) on his defection.
"As it is, it seems Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to get the presidential ticket in the ADC... Currently, ADC leaders are mounting pressure on RMK to join the party... The picture we are seeing from outside is that Obi was lured into the party, and we don’t want to fall into that trap.
"The game ahead is that Obi will participate in the ADC presidential primary, and after losing to Atiku, he will be persuaded to take the VP slot.”
The source further emphasized strategic long-term goals: “We are committed to seeing the South complete its eight years, which is only possible with Peter Obi’s presidency. People like Baba Ota (Obasanjo) also believe in that, and it is in that line that Kwankwaso can have a chance to contest the 2031 presidential election.
"As it stands, Kwankwaso is Obi’s only strong bargaining chip for the ADC presidential ticket.”
Neither the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, nor the NNPP's spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, provided comments on the ongoing discussions when contacted.
Abdullahi described Kwankwaso as a strong political leader but noted he was not directly involved in the talks.
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