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2027: Kwankwaso In Talks With Atiku, Obi As Opposition Reorganises.
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Kano defections to APC intensify opposition realignment talks.
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Analysts say unity talks could reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify, former Kano State governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is considering a possible alliance with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on the platform of the African Democratic Congress.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to ThisDay, the move is being explored against the backdrop of growing defections from the NNPP in Kano State, including Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and most members of the Kano State House of Assembly, to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Sources familiar with the development said Kwankwaso’s political structure in Kano appears to be tilting towards the APC, even as the former governor engages in discreet talks with the ADC alongside loyal members of the Kwankwasiyya movement. The discussions are reportedly part of broader efforts by opposition leaders to form a united front ahead of the 2027 polls.
There are also strong indications that Yusuf, who currently governs the only state controlled by the NNPP, is set to formally defect to the APC. The move is said to be strongly opposed by Kwankwaso and has further deepened internal divisions within the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Sources close to the Kano governor disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, former Kano governor Abdullahi Ganduje and the APC state chairman, Abdullahi Abbas, are expected to attend a brief ceremony in Abuja to mark Yusuf’s defection.
Political analysts believe that if negotiations among Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso succeed, the alliance could significantly reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics and alter the electoral calculations ahead of 2027. In the 2023 presidential election, Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso finished second, third and fourth respectively.
Despite the APC projecting confidence with 28 governors currently under its control, opposition figures are said to be quietly regrouping, banking on public discontent to rebalance the political landscape.
Peter Obi formally defected to the ADC on Wednesday alongside his supporters, opposition leaders and some National Assembly and State Assembly lawmakers. His move has placed him among prominent figures within the ADC, including David Mark, Aminu Tambuwal, Emeka Ihedioha, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and Abubakar Malami, as the party positions itself to challenge the APC in 2027.
An ADC chieftain, Ladan Salihu, said Obi’s defection has reshaped the opposition space and strengthened the party’s credentials as a serious contender.
Meanwhile, the APC has further consolidated its dominance with the reported defection of Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang to the ruling party.
Reacting to the developments, the Peoples Democratic Party said its immediate priority remains resolving its internal leadership challenges, while acknowledging that opposition parties must collaborate effectively if they are to defeat the APC in the next general election.
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