JUST IN: Kwankwaso formally quits NNPP ahead of defection to ADC

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Former Kano governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Sunday announced his resignation from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), the platform on which he contested the 2023 presidential election.

Kwankwaso announcement of resignation from the NNPP came ahead of his scheduled defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC tomorrow, Monday, 30th April.

Kwankwaso had become a beautiful bride to the opposition following the defection of his godson and Kano governor, Abba Yusuf, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC from NNPP.

Also, the NNPP has been in crisis with the leadership of the party aligned to Kwankwaso recently sacked by appeal court.

Indications that the former presidential candidate is ready to dump NNPP came last week when he hosted former presidential candidate, Peter Obi and other opposition political heavyweights in Kano.

He also met with former Vice President Atiku Abubabakar as well as the Kano executive of ADC.

Kwankwaso’s political group, the Kwankwasiyya Movement had in statement on Saturday confirmed that their leader will dump the NNPP for ADC on Monday.

The Movement in a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed indicated that the former Kano governor will officially register with ADC on Monday, 30th March 2026, at his residence, Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Kano.

Consequently, the group had directed all its members to proceed and register with the ADC in their respective wards, local government areas, and states immediately thereafter.

It also urged its members to fully engage in all ADC activities and contribute actively toward the growth, development, and success of the party at all levels.

“This strategic decision, as always, has been taken in the best interest of the movement, our state, and the nation at large. It reflects our unwavering commitment to the advancement of democratic values, good governance, and the collective aspirations of the people.

“We emphasize that democracy must be protected, and the will of the people must always be respected.”

“The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains resolute, united, and committed to building a better and more inclusive Nigeria.”

The former presidential candidate confirmed this in his letter of resignation on Sunday, while noting that “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.

Kwakwaso who said the decision to quit the NNPP was not an easy one to make expressed his gratitude to the “leadership of the party for the honour and privilege of serving as the Party’s National Leader and its Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections.”

“I extend my deepest appreciation to the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed and the entire National Working Committee for their steadfast support throughout my time. I also thank the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, and all levels of leadership across the party — from the ward to the state level, as well as the legacy members of the party and all followers of the Kwankwasiyya Movement for their dedication and commitment to our shared mission.

“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation.