Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Saturday received ex-Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso at his residence in Abuja, in what appears to be part of ongoing political consultations ahead of a potential party switch.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, is widely expected to defect to the African Democratic Congress in the coming days. His visit to Atiku—himself a key figure in the ADC—has further fueled speculation about the move.
Sharing details of the meeting on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku described the visit as a courtesy call, noting that both leaders engaged in “robust discussions” about the state of the nation.
The meeting comes shortly after former Osun State governor and ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, also visited Kwankwaso in Abuja, signaling intensified political alignment efforts.
Meanwhile, the Kwankwasiyya Movement has confirmed that Kwankwaso is set to formally join the ADC on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Kano. The event will mark his official departure from the NNPP—a party he helped build—and the beginning of a new political phase ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speculation about his defection gained momentum during the recent Kwankwasiyya Eid celebration in Kano, where supporters openly chanted the name of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in his presence. Both Kwankwaso and Obi acknowledged the crowd and addressed attendees briefly.
Kwankwaso’s anticipated move is seen as a major development that could reshape political alliances, particularly in northern Nigeria, as preparations for the 2027 elections begin to take shape.
