Kwankwaso Joins ADC Today

Reactions have trailed the resignation of a former Governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elections, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from NNPP.

Kwankwaso announced his resignation in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, citing the need for “strategic realignment” amid the country’s current political landscape.

Kwankwaso, who until his resignation was the national leader of the NNPP, announced his decision in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, describing it as a difficult but necessary move.

“As a committed and bona fide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make. However, considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape… I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he said.

The former governor expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, and other stakeholders, as well as members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement nationwide, for their loyalty and support.

Kwankwasiyya Mobilises for ADC

In a swift reaction, the Kwankwasiyya Movement confirmed that its leader had concluded arrangements to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Dr Habibu Mohammed, the movement said Kwankwaso would formally register with the ADC on Monday at his residence in Kano.

The group subsequently directed all its members across the country to immediately register with the ADC at their respective wards and actively participate in the party’s activities.

“This strategic decision… has been taken in the best interest of the movement, our state, and the nation at large,” the statement read, adding that the move reflects a commitment to democratic values and good governance.

The movement also stressed the need to protect democracy and uphold the will of the people, assuring supporters of its unity and resolve ahead of future political contests.

NNPP Reacts, Wishes Kwankwaso Well

Reacting to the development, the Kano State chapter of the NNPP said it had received Kwankwaso’s resignation, noting that the move did not come as a surprise.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Karaye, the party said the decision followed ongoing consultations among opposition figures to form a broader alliance to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party expressed gratitude to Kwankwaso for his role in strengthening the NNPP, highlighting its achievements over the last three years, including the election of a governor, lawmakers at the National Assembly, and members of state assemblies.

While wishing him success in his future political endeavours, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections, the party reaffirmed its commitment to remaining a strong opposition platform.

Efforts to get a reaction from the APC were unsuccessful as the party’s spokesperson in Kano, Auwal Soja, did not respond to inquiries as of the time of filing this report.

His Resignation, a Formality, Says NNPP Faction

The factional Chairman of NNPP, Dr Agbo Major, has described Kwankwaso’s resignation from the party as “just a formality”, saying it comes as no surprise and carries no real political implications for the party.

Major said Kwankwaso “ceased to be a member of the NNPP” after his expulsion in 2023 for alleged anti-party activities.

He stressed that the latest resignation letter is “merely a formality” addressed to the Kwankwasia group, not to the party, since he had long been out of its fold.

“The NNPP had already felt the impact of Kwankwaso’s exit when the Memorandum of Understanding with the Kwankwasia group was terminated in 2023,” he said

He noted that while the former candidate had contributed value to the party, no political structure should be built around a single individual.

He stressed that the NNPP was focused on consolidating its remaining structures and strengthening its internal systems ahead of future elections.

He added that the party has learned key lessons about institutional resilience and will continue to rebuild without relying on personal political movements.

Major described Kwankwaso’s action as “a face-saving measure”, insisting that the NNPP remains stable and committed to repositioning itself as a policy-driven platform.

Meanwhile, Kwankwaso’s faction of the party has said it will speak after its National Working Committee (NEC) meeting.