Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will drastically alter the opposition picture ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to veteran journalist and former presidential adviser Reuben Abati.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Abati pointed out that Kwankwaso’s action, together with that of his New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) supporters, has strengthened the ADC and established it as a coalition platform for important opposition individuals.
With 44 local government areas and a sizable voter base, Abati highlighted Kano State’s strategic significance in presidential elections, characterizing it as a crucial battleground alongside Lagos and Rivers states.
He went on to say that Kwankwaso, a powerful political figure in Kano, would have a big impact on the 2027 election after his defection.
However, the analyst questioned the ADC’s internal dynamics, especially in relation to the party’s presidential ticket.
He pointed out that Kwankwaso had long declared his desire to be president and asked if he would win the party’s ticket, become a running partner, or join a larger political coalition.
Abati also brought up the persistent rumors that Kwankwaso and Obi would form an alliance, raising concerns about how this might impact former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s status in the party.
“Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso has now moved to the ADC with his NNPP and Kwankwansiya supporters,” he declared.
As a result of that effort, the ADC has become stronger and currently includes a number of prominent opposition personalities. Peter Obi is present. Rotimi Amaechi is there. Atiku Abubakar is also present.
“And Kano, as I’ve stated previously on this platform, is a very important platform in Nigerian elections. You are referring to forty-four local government councils. You are referring to a sizable percentage of voters.
“If you want to be president in this country, you have to win certain states. Among them are Lagos, Rivers, and Kano.
The most well-known politician in Kano State today has joined the ADC.
He was meant to become a member of the APC. We were informed that discussions had place, but his godson—the state’s governor—joined the APC ahead of him.
In 2027, Kano State will be a significant battlefield. But Dr. Kwankwaso has consistently stated that he aspires to be Nigeria’s president.
Would they issue him the ticket now? Will he end up being someone else’s running mate? People have been referring to him as “PitaKwa” 2027, implying that he will serve as Peter Obi of the ADC’s running partner. Is that going to work?
Will that actually happen? What does that mean for Waziri Adamawa? Will Atiku Abubakar, our former vice president, do the same and permit “Pitakwa” to join the ADC?
“So we’re just seeing the early moments of the drama, and there’s going to be a lot of drama, either from the politicians themselves or from the entertainment”.
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