2027: NNPP’s Kwankwaso faces tough decision moment as more heavyweights flood ADC

Since a coalition of opposition leaders formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform for the 2027 presidential race against President Bola Tinubu, the party has witnessed a surge in new members and renewed political momentum.

According to Nigeria News 247, the coalition—comprising prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna)—announced their alliance with the ADC on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Members from the PDP, Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and even disillusioned figures from the ruling APC are also part of the alliance.

Key APC defectors include John Oyegun (former APC National Chairman), Rotimi Amaechi, former AGF Abubakar Malami, and ex-Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, all united in their mission to challenge Tinubu in 2027. David Mark now serves as Interim National Chairman, while Aregbesola has been named Interim National Secretary of the ADC.

ADC and APC Battle for Kwankwaso

The political spotlight is currently on Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, as both the ruling APC and the opposition coalition court his allegiance.

A senior NNPP source told Nigeria News 247 that northern opposition leaders are pressuring Kwankwaso to join the ADC coalition. Despite interest from APC, insiders say Kwankwaso leans more toward the opposition due to discontent with the Tinubu administration.

“Kwankwaso is the new political bride,” the source said, citing his dominance in Kano—a state with one of Nigeria’s largest voter bases. “Whichever side wins Kwankwaso likely captures Kano.”

Backing this, Hashimu Dungurawa, Kano State NNPP Chairman, pledged unwavering support: “We are his blind followers. Wherever he goes, we will follow.”

ADC Gains Momentum Nationwide

Since the coalition’s announcement, ADC has seen a wave of new memberships. Sources revealed that at least five sitting PDP governors have expressed intent to defect to the ADC. Some northern APC governors are also rumored to be covertly supporting the coalition.

In Zamfara State, ADC Chairman Kabiru Garba confirmed that over 100 political actors, including Governor Dauda Lawal, have been invited to join the party.

Prominent defections include:

• Alex Adum, former Benue State Attorney General, citing the need to “rescue Nigeria.”

• Olofu Samuel, ex-Benue Commissioner.

• Ibrahim Amin, PDP chieftain in Kano.

• Mohammed Mukhtar, PDP leader in Niger State.

• Mukhtar Adam, PDP member in Kano.

• Air Vice Marshal Shehu Adamu (retd), Gombe’s 2023 PDP governorship candidate.

• Babagana Yakubu Mohammed, aide to Yobe State Governor, defected from APC to ADC.

• Jimin Geoffrey, ex-media aide to former Benue Governor Ortom, also considering joining.

Internal Tensions Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

While the coalition is gaining ground, internal friction is emerging over the 2027 presidential ticket. Atiku Abubakar is reportedly eyeing another run, while Peter Obi’s supporters insist he must lead the ticket.

Some analysts suggest the ticket be zoned to the South, favoring either Obi or Amaechi, while others back a North-South combo, proposing Atiku-Obi as a united front.

However, Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, dismissed any arrangement where Obi plays second fiddle:
“Peter Obi will not be a running mate to anyone. He must be the presidential candidate wherever he goes,” he asserted.

As the 2027 race heats up, all eyes remain on the ADC and its ability to unite behind a single candidate capable of unseating the APC-led government.