- Safiu Kehinde
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) hours after from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Kwankwaso, alongside his supporters, defected to the ADC on Monday in a move described as a defining moment for opposition politics in the state.
While receiving the ex-Kano governor, the National Chairman of ADC, Sen. David Mark, emphasised that Kwankwaso’s defection was more than a political realignment.
He described it as a deliberate response to growing calls by Nigerians for a cohesive and formidable opposition capable of safeguarding democratic values.
Mark noted that the ADC now represents a rallying platform for a broad-based national movement anchored on inclusion, integrity, competence, and progress.
According to him, the coalition aims to provide Nigerians with credible alternatives and restore confidence in democratic governance.
Mark expressed concern over what he termed as a gradual erosion of opposition space, warning that actions capable of limiting political participation pose a threat to democracy.
Mark stressed the importance of preserving citizens’ right to freely choose their leaders.
“The future of Nigeria cannot be built on domination but on participation. Leadership must be earned through trust rather than sustained by control,” he said.
According to him, Kwankwaso commands a significant grassroots followers, particularly in Northern Nigeria, under the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The ADC chairman called on Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional divides to join the movement, urging citizens to take an active role in building a more inclusive and accountable system of governance.
He also extended an invitation to other political parties, civil society organisations, and youth groups to form a united coalition, noting that the task of strengthening democracy requires collective effort and sacrifice.
Mark expressed optimism that the emerging alliance would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey, urging citizens to embrace unity, participation, and hope in shaping the nation’s future.
Other prominent figures at the defection on Monday include former Interior Minister and former Governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola who is the National Secretary of the party; former Minister of Transportation and a former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and a host of others.
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Earlier, Kwankwaso urged ADC supporters to massively register as party members.
He also encouraged them to promote the party’s ideals and prepare to elect credible leaders for good governance through INEC registration.
Alhaji Mubarak Fagge told NAN that he decided to follow Rabiu Kwankwaso to ADC to ensure the success of the party in the forthcoming elections.
“We have since embarked on house-to-house mobilisation to ensure political growth of the party in the state,” he said.