ADC Leaders Storm Kano as Kwankwaso Defects

The political atmosphere in Kano came alive on Monday as top figures of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) converged on the city for the formal defection of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s opposition politics.

A high-powered delegation led by former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, arrived in Kano and proceeded to Miller Road, the residence of Kwankwaso, where final preparations were concluded ahead of the formal announcement.

Among those in the entourage were the party’s National Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; lawmaker Dino Melaye; former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha.

The delegation was received at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport by the immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, alongside party loyalists and supporters, as security was heightened across key locations in the city.

Kwankwaso’s defection is widely seen as a major boost to the ADC’s national profile, given his strong grassroots following, particularly in northern Nigeria through the Kwankwasiyya movement, with supporters gathering in large numbers to witness the event.

Welcoming the development, David Mark described Kwankwaso’s entry into the party as a defining moment, noting that it reflects growing calls for opposition unity to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and provide credible alternatives to citizens.

He added that the ADC is positioning itself as a broad national platform driven by inclusion, accountability, and people-centered governance, while urging Nigerians, political groups, and civil society organisations to unite in building a more participatory and resilient democratic system, even as analysts say the move could reshape competition with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his remarks Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso said he has become a bonafide member of ADC and assured the ADC supporters that victory is theirs come 2027.

He urged all his supporters to register with with ADC geared towards ensuring that they exercises their civic responsibility.