ADC talks drag as Kwankwaso awaits clarity on Obi’s presidential bid

 

Rabiu Kwankwaso, National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has yet to finalise his planned defection to the African Democratic Congress despite earlier engagements with the party, amid concerns over whether former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, would clinch the ADC’s presidential ticket.

Multiple sources within the Kwankwasiya Movement and the ADC revealed that the former Kano State governor’s decision to switch parties is closely tied to guarantees surrounding the party’s 2027 presidential arrangement.

There is an ongoing proposal for an alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso, with both expected to contest on a joint presidential ticket on the ADC platform in the 2027 general election. Political figures familiar with the talks said the arrangement was initiated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It was gathered that a three-member ADC committee constituted to engage prominent politicians interested in joining the party had held discussions with Kwankwaso through a committee he also established.

Confirming the development, a senior ADC official told our correspondent that both committees met recently in Abuja to advance discussions on Kwankwaso’s defection but failed to reach a final resolution.

According to the party official, some contentious issues remained unresolved, although efforts were ongoing to conclude talks within the shortest possible time.

“We’re closing in on Kwankwaso, and we will be happy to receive him. Our committee and his met a few days ago and they will meet next week to take, maybe, a strong decision and reach a strong conclusion. We’re still engaging, though there are some unresolved issues,” he said.

However, a source close to Kwankwaso confirmed the meeting but stated that the former governor was unlikely to leave the NNPP in the immediate future.

The source disclosed that Kwankwaso had been advised by some northern leaders and Obasanjo to exercise caution and avoid rushing into the ADC without firm assurances on the party’s presidential ticket.

According to the insider, Kwankwaso’s political weight is central to Obi’s chances within the ADC, making it necessary for his camp to tread carefully.

“Many things are playing out, and some northern leaders and Obasanjo are advising RMK (Kwankwaso) on his defection. As it is, it seems Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to get the presidential ticket in the ADC, and the card must be carefully played,” the source said.

The loyalist further alleged that pressure was being mounted on Kwankwaso to join the ADC, even as concerns grew over what he described as a growing influence of interests aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“Currently, ADC leaders are mounting pressure on RMK to join the party. Of course, he is interested, but we don’t want to play into the hands of some people rooting for Atiku’s presidency who have almost taken over the party.

“The picture we are seeing from outside is that Obi was lured into the party, and we don’t want to fall into that trap. The game ahead is that Obi will participate in the ADC presidential primary, and after losing to Atiku, he will be persuaded to take the VP slot. How far he wants to go on that, we don’t know.”

He added that both Obi’s and Kwankwaso’s camps had held consultations with key national figures to mobilise support for Obi’s presidential ambition.

The NNPP chieftain said Kwankwaso’s defection would depend on the outcome of broader political consultations.

“We are committed to seeing the South complete its eight years, which is only possible with Peter Obi’s presidency. People like Baba Ota (Obasanjo) also believe in that, and it is in that line that Kwankwaso can have a chance to contest the 2031 presidential election.

“RMK is still consulting, and until those consultations are concluded, nothing serious will happen. As it stands, Kwankwaso is Obi’s only strong bargaining chip for the ADC presidential ticket. Notwithstanding, politics is dynamic. A day is too long in the political arena,” he added.

The source also reaffirmed that both committees had agreed to reconvene soon.

“Yes, the two committees met a few days ago in Abuja and they agreed to meet again. By next week, we should have a position,” he stated.

When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he was unaware of the talks and declined further comment.

“I am not part of any committee speaking with Kwankwaso, so how would I know what you are talking about?” he said, while describing Kwankwaso as a strong political figure.

Similarly, the spokesperson for the NNPP, Ladipo Johnson, said he had no information regarding Kwankwaso’s possible defection.

“I’m not in possession of any useful information on what you’re asking, so I may not be able to comment,” he said.

(PUNCH)