APC, ADC in Fierce Showdown for Kwankwaso’s Loyalty Ahead of 2027

With the 2027 general elections looming, a fierce political showdown has erupted between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the rising African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, both scrambling to win over former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso—widely regarded as the political kingmaker of the North.

Kwankwaso, the influential leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), is being intensely courted by both camps due to his commanding grassroots base and his control of Kano’s 5.7 million votes, the largest voting bloc in Nigeria after Lagos.

In the 2023 presidential poll, Kwankwaso polled nearly 1.5 million votes—997,279 of them from Kano—outperforming both APC and PDP candidates in the state. This electoral strength has positioned him as a decisive figure in the coming contest, triggering a wave of behind-the-scenes negotiations and political maneuvers.

Top APC officials have confirmed ongoing talks with Kwankwaso, with insiders suggesting that the recent resignation of former APC National Chairman and Kwankwaso rival, Abdullahi Ganduje, was part of a broader strategy to smooth Kwankwaso’s return to the ruling party. Presidency-linked emissaries are reportedly spearheading the dialogue.

Simultaneously, the ADC coalition—led by a constellation of political heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, David Mark, and Rotimi Amaechi—has launched its own charm offensive to lure Kwankwaso into its growing alliance aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, a prominent figure in the coalition, confirmed that several efforts are ongoing to woo the former governor. “Obviously, he is welcome. Kwankwaso is in the category of those who come with real grassroots power,” Lawal said. He added that even if the NNPP doesn’t merge with the ADC formally, many local leaders aligned with Kwankwaso are already signaling interest.

The ADC’s strategy, Lawal explained, is focused on attracting individuals with electoral value, not merely political party structures. “It’s not about the logo or letterhead—politics is local, and we’re targeting people with real community influence,” he said.

Kwankwaso’s silence on his 2027 ambitions has only heightened the political tension. Close associates say his supporters are growing uneasy over the delay in declaring a position, with some already defecting to rival parties due to uncertainty. “Many of us expected a clear direction by now. His silence is shaking the foundation of our movement,” said a top Kwankwasiyya loyalist who requested anonymity.

Meanwhile, the NNPP itself is divided. A faction loyal to Kwankwaso insists he remains committed to the party, while a rival group led by Agbo Major is openly urging his exit. “He brought disunity to the NNPP. If he leaves, it’s good riddance to bad rubbish,” said Olaposi Oginni, secretary of the anti-Kwankwaso faction.

In contrast, the pro-Kwankwaso camp, represented by Ajuji Ahmed and spokesperson Oladipo Johnson, described him as a political asset that every party wants. They confirmed that while all options remain open, Kwankwaso is still firmly within the NNPP—for now.

The APC, however, remains confident of winning him over. Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), dismissed the ADC coalition as a group of “internally displaced politicians” and warned that Kwankwaso would diminish his political value if he joined them. “He’s too smart to become a follower in a formation led by people with no strong political base,” he said. “If I were to advise him, I’d say: join the ruling party or maintain your regional dominance.”

As the race toward 2027 accelerates, one thing is clear: whoever wins Kwankwaso’s loyalty may well unlock the key to victory in northern Nigeria. For now, both APC and ADC are leaving nothing to chance in the battle for his hand—and Kano’s political crown.