2027: Kwankwaso in the Crosshairs as APC, ADC Vie for His Loyalty

Nigeria’s political landscape is heating up as the 2027 presidential race draws closer, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) fast emerging as the new rallying point for opposition forces. Following its adoption on July 2, 2025, by a powerful coalition of opposition leaders, the ADC has witnessed an unprecedented influx of political heavyweights from across the country’s major parties.

The coalition includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and former governors Rotimi Amaechi and Nasir El-Rufai. Also onboard are former APC figures such as John Oyegun, Abubakar Malami, and Rauf Aregbesola. David Mark has taken up the role of Interim National Chairman of the ADC, while Aregbesola is serving as the Interim National Secretary.

This wave of defections and alliances has thrust Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate under the NNPP, into the spotlight. Both the ruling APC and the new opposition coalition are actively courting him. A source within the NNPP revealed that northern opposition leaders are lobbying hard to bring Kwankwaso into the coalition, while emissaries from the APC are also engaging him in talks.

“Kwankwaso is the political bride everyone wants to win over,” the source said. “He controls Kano’s political structure, and Kano is one of the states with the highest number of votes. Whichever bloc wins him likely secures the state.”

Kwankwaso’s supporters remain loyal and ready to follow him wherever he goes. “We are his blind followers,” said NNPP Kano State Chairman Hashimu Dungurawa, reflecting the strong grassroots support that makes Kwankwaso a decisive factor in the upcoming election.

Meanwhile, the ADC continues to gain momentum, drawing politicians from all corners of the country. Over the weekend, at least five PDP governors reportedly signaled their intention to join the party. In Zamfara State alone, over 100 political actors have signed up with the ADC, according to state chairman Kabiru Garba. Governor Dauda Lawal is also expected to join after receiving an invitation.

The growing support extends beyond the PDP. Aggrieved APC members and other prominent figures from Benue, Niger, Kano, Gombe, Borno, and Yobe States have also joined the ADC. Notably, former Benue Attorney General Alex Adum and ex-commissioner Olofu Samuel have both resigned from the PDP to join the new movement. Other resignations include prominent PDP members in Kano and Niger States, as well as Gombe’s 2023 PDP governorship candidate, Air Vice Marshal Shehu Adamu (retd).

On the APC side, Babagana Yakubu Mohammed, a senior aide to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, announced his defection to the ADC. Former media aide to Benue Governor Samuel Ortom, Jimin Geoffrey, also revealed he is considering joining the opposition coalition.

As the ADC swells with high-profile entrants, tensions are building over who will emerge as the party’s presidential candidate. Atiku Abubakar is reportedly preparing for another bid, while Peter Obi’s supporters insist he must be the party’s flag bearer. Some within the coalition have floated a possible Atiku-Obi ticket, but this idea has been rejected by leaders of the Obidient Movement.

“We have made it clear that Peter Obi cannot be a running mate to anyone,” said Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement. “Wherever Obi goes, we will follow, but only if he is the presidential candidate.”

With conflicting ambitions within the coalition and mounting pressure on Kwankwaso to make a decision, Nigeria’s political realignment ahead of 2027 is entering a critical phase. The coming months will be decisive in shaping the face of the opposition—and possibly the outcome of the next election.