Rabiu Kwankwaso’s reported plan to defect from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing delays amid ongoing negotiations over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, according to a report by Punch Newspaper .
Sources within the Kwankwasiya Movement and the ADC said recent meetings between representatives of both sides ended without a conclusive agreement, as discussions centred on whether former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, would emerge as the ADC’s presidential candidate.
Party insiders disclosed that a committee set up by the ADC to engage influential political figures met with a team appointed by Kwankwaso in Abuja earlier this week. While the talks were described as cordial, both parties reportedly agreed that further consultations were needed before any decision could be made.
An ADC official familiar with the discussions said, “We are still engaging. There were some unresolved matters, and we expect another meeting soon to reach a clearer position.”
A source close to Kwankwaso, however, said the former Kano governor was being advised by political stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some northern leaders, not to rush into the ADC without clarity on internal arrangements.
“Kwankwaso’s involvement is being viewed as a critical factor in negotiations around Obi’s possible ticket. That is why he is taking his time and consulting widely,” the source said.
The insider added that there were concerns within Kwankwaso’s camp about existing political interests within the ADC and the need to ensure that any alliance does not weaken the push for a southern presidency in 2027.
Both sides confirmed that their committees would reconvene in the coming days to continue the talks.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said he was not aware of the specific negotiations, while NNPP spokesperson Ladipo Johnson also declined to comment, citing lack of information.
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