Subject to last-minute changes, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general election, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) today.
Kwankwaso’s defection comes a week after reports emerged that he was set to join ADC. He was initially expected to join the ADC last Wednesday, but sources close to him cited “sticky points” as the reason for the postponement. One major condition was allowing him to produce the ADC’s governorship candidate in Kano.
Kwankwaso favored Nasiru Gawuna, the APC candidate in 2023 who lost to his anointed candidate, for the role. Sources say the ADC accepted this condition, and Gawuna, who also defected alongside his principal on today, is likely to get the ticket.
Also joining Kwankwaso is former Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam, who recently resigned. Kwankwaso will lead the ADC in Kano and serve as a national leader.
A key demand – securing the ADC presidential running mate slot – wasn’t granted, with the party citing the candidate’s right to choose. Kwankwaso reportedly accepted this.
The Kwankwasiyya movement, Kwankwaso’s political base, confirmed the defection, as the ceremony holds in Kano. The move follows a visit by ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola to Kwankwaso’s Abuja residence, where final demands were met.
A Kwankwasiyya member said had said during the weekend, “The former governor understood time was of the essence… both sides shifted ground and struck an agreement. That is why we are all defecting on Monday, all things being equal.”
When asked about the running mate slot, the member said, “The movement will not be bothered if our leader does not emerge as the ADC running mate. It is all for the good of the country.
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