Kano, Kano State, Nigeria — Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Okay News reports that the former governor of Kano State in northwestern Nigeria completed his registration with the party on Monday, March 30, 2026, at Gidan Kwankwasiyya on Miller Road in Bompai, a district in Kano city. He was issued a membership card during the event, which drew several prominent political figures from across the country.
Among those present were the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress and former President of the Senate of Nigeria, David Mark; former Governor of Sokoto State in northwestern Nigeria, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation of Nigeria, Rotimi Amaechi; former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; Senator Dino Melaye; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, among others.
The development followed Kwankwaso’s resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, which he announced on Sunday, March 29, 2026, as part of what he described as a strategic political realignment ahead of future electoral contests.
In a statement, he said, “I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party with immediate effect.”
The former Minister of Defence of Nigeria explained that leaving the party was difficult due to his long association with it. “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, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he said.
Kwankwaso also expressed appreciation to the party leadership, including National Chairman Ajuji Ahmed, and other officials for their support during his tenure.
He further thanked members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, a political support group associated with him, as well as his supporters nationwide. “We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation,” he added.
The move is expected to influence political alignments ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle, as discussions about coalition-building among opposition figures continue.
