Political Realignment and Coalition Building in Nigeria
The defection of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday injected fresh momentum into ongoing efforts to build a broad-based opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move is widely seen as a significant boost for the ADC, which is positioning itself as a rallying platform for disenchanted politicians and emerging political blocs seeking to challenge the ruling establishment.
Kwankwaso’s entry, alongside his extensive grassroots support base, comes amid increasing realignments across the political landscape, with calls for unity among opposition figures gaining traction. Kwankwaso and his supporters were formally received by the National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, who described the development as a significant moment for the nation’s democracy.
At a grand ceremony held at Kwankwaso Miller Road’s residence in Kano on Monday were party bigwigs, including 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, among others. Speaking at the event, Mark said Kwankwaso’s entry into the ADC, alongside “millions of supporters,” represents a deliberate move by opposition leaders to unite and strengthen democratic participation in the country.
He said the development signalled a collective response to calls by Nigerians for a cohesive opposition capable of safeguarding the nation’s democratic system. The former Senate President criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress, alleging that its actions posed a threat to multiparty democracy and warned against what he described as attempts to weaken opposition voices and concentrate power.
According to him, the ADC’s growing coalition reflected a commitment to ensuring that Nigerians retained the right to choose their leaders through an open and competitive political system. “The future of Nigeria cannot be built through domination; it must be built through participation,” he stated, adding that leadership must be earned through public trust rather than control.
Mark further described the ADC as a “rallying point of a new national movement” focused on inclusion, accountability, and people-centred governance. He called on Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political divides to join the party’s movement, stressing the need for unity in addressing national challenges.
The ADC chairman also extended an invitation to other political parties, civil society organisations, and youth groups to form a broad coalition aimed at strengthening democracy and improving governance.
Kwankwaso’s Speech and Call to Action
Kwankwaso, speaking at the rally, called on his supporters nationwide to register with the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections. After formally obtaining his membership card of the ADC, he described the development as a “historic day” and expressed gratitude to supporters and party leaders who graced the grand event.
He welcomed and appreciated the delegation led by the ADC national chairman, alongside members of the party’s National Working Committee, for their role in the process. The former Kano State governor said the decision to join the party was taken collectively, noting that the move marked a significant step in his political journey.
“I am so happy today that I have collected my membership card of the ADC,” he said, urging supporters to immediately register with the party. He further advised that party registration alone was insufficient, stressing the importance of enrolling with the Independent National Electoral Commission to be eligible to vote.
Kwankwaso noted that voter registration by the electoral body would commence in the coming days, urging his followers to take advantage of the opportunity. “Registering with the party is only halfway. You must also register with INEC to ensure you can vote for change in the next general election,” he said.
Wave of Defections
The ADC has continued to draw more personalities into its fold, especially from the Peoples Democratic Party. In Kaduna, the 2023 governorship candidate, Alhaji Isah Ashiru, alongside the senator representing Kaduna North Senatorial District, Ibrahim Khalid Mustapha, and the lawmaker representing Soba Federal Constituency, Suleiman Richifa, resigned.
Ashiru’s resignation was conveyed in a letter dated March 27, 2026, addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Kudan Ward, Kudan Local Government Area of the state. In the letter, the 2023 governorship flagbearer said his decision followed careful reflection on the persistent crisis rocking the party.
Similarly, Mustapha, who serves as the Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, also announced his resignation from the PDP. In his letter dated March 27, 2026, and addressed to his ward chairman in Soba Local Government Area, the senator cited protracted internal crisis and leadership disputes within the party.
Also, Richifa, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Aviation Technology, resigned his membership of the PDP in a letter dated March 27, 2026, addressed to the party chairman in Richifa Ward, Soba Local Government Area. The lawmaker cited similar reasons, including internal crisis, court cases and leadership disagreements.
Efforts to obtain official reactions from the state leadership of the party were unsuccessful, as calls and messages sent to party officials were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
Group Demands Obi Candidacy
A political advocacy group, the Village Boys Movement, has asked the African Democratic Congress to adopt Obi as its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. The call, according to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Monday, followed a coordinated nationwide mobilisation by the group, which it described as a “Two Million Man March and ADC Registration Drive,” held simultaneously across some states on Saturday.
The exercise took place in Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Ebonyi, Plateau, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ondo, Ogun, Oyo, Kogi and Edo states, drawing large numbers of supporters in what organisers said signalled growing grassroots momentum.
Speaking on the development, leader of the group, Tochukwu Ezeoke, said the march was designed to both demonstrate public support for Obi and drive mass participation in the ADC. He said, “This exercise is not just about numbers on the streets; it is about building a movement with structure and direction.”
Aspirant Seeks Obi–Kwankwaso Alliance
A governorship aspirant on the platform of the ADC in Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Unuafe, has said the proposed alliance between Peter Obi and Kwankwaso represents a credible pathway to Nigeria’s renewal. Unuafe, in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Sunday, described the joint candidacy as a defining moment in the country’s political trajectory.
He said the emerging partnership goes beyond mere political convenience, noting that it reflects a convergence of vision and commitment to national rebuilding. According to him, Nigeria is at a critical crossroads where the decisions of today would shape the future of generations yet unborn.
Imasuagbon Seeks Tinubu’s Defeat
A chieftain of the ADC, Ken Imasuagbon, has urged Nigerians to mobilise against President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027. Imasuagbon, a former governorship aspirant in the PDP and APC in Edo State, stated this in Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State, while receiving a wave of defectors from the PDP into the ADC on Sunday.
He said the time had come for citizens to reclaim their mandate and decisively reject what he described as failed leadership. He said, “I am calling on Nigerians to begin mobilising against the second-term bid by President Bola Tinubu, as the time has come for citizens to reclaim their mandate.”
