Uncertainty over whether Peter Obi will secure the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket is stalling the planned defection of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as stakeholders’ negotiations drag on behind the scenes, MUK TV has learned.
PunchOnline reports that although Kwankwaso has held months of talks with ADC leaders, he is holding back until there is firm assurance that Obi will emerge as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.
Highly placed sources within the Kwankwasiya Movement and the ADC confirmed that Kwankwaso’s defection is tied to a proposed Obi–Kwankwaso alliance on the ADC platform, an arrangement said to have been brokered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Investigations revealed that a three-man ADC committee set up to engage influential politicians recently met with Kwankwaso through a committee he constituted, with talks held in Abuja a few days ago.
A senior ADC official disclosed that while discussions are advancing, unresolved issues prevented a final agreement.
“We’re closing in on Kwankwaso, and we will be happy to receive him. Our committee and his met a few days ago and they will meet next week to take, maybe, a strong decision and reach a strong conclusion. We’re still engaging, though there are some unresolved issues,” he added.
However, insiders in the Kwankwaso camp insist the former Kano governor is in no hurry, revealing that northern leaders and Obasanjo have advised caution.
According to the source, Kwankwaso has been warned not to defect until Obi’s path to the ADC presidential ticket is clearly guaranteed.
“Many things are playing out, and some northern leaders and Obasanjo are advising RMK (Kwankwaso) on his defection. As it is, it seems Kwankwaso is the bargaining strength for Peter Obi to get the presidential ticket in the ADC, and the card must be carefully played.
“Currently, ADC leaders are mounting pressure on RMK to join the party. Of course, he is interested, but we don’t want to play into the hands of some people rooting for Atiku’s presidency who have almost taken over the party.
“The picture we are seeing from outside is that Obi was lured into the party, and we don’t want to fall into that trap. The game ahead is that Obi will participate in the ADC presidential primary, and after losing to Atiku, he will be persuaded to take the VP slot. How far he wants to go on that, we don’t know.”
The insider added that Obi and Kwankwaso’s camps have met with key national leaders to mobilise support for the former Anambra governor’s presidential ambition.
He stressed that without the conclusion of wider consultations, Kwankwaso’s defection may not happen.
“We are committed to seeing the South complete its eight years, which is only possible with Peter Obi’s presidency. People like Baba Ota (Obasanjo) also believe in that, and it is in that line that Kwankwaso can have a chance to contest the 2031 presidential election.
“RMK is still consulting, and until those consultations are concluded, nothing serious will happen. As it stands, Kwankwaso is Obi’s only strong bargaining chip for the ADC presidential ticket. Notwithstanding, politics is dynamic. A day is too long in the political arena,” he added.
The source confirmed that both ADC and Kwankwaso committees will reconvene next week.
“Yes, the two committees met a few days ago in Abuja and they agreed to meet again. By next week, we should have a position,” he stated.
Efforts to get official reactions were unsuccessful, as ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he was unaware of the talks.
“I am not part of any committee speaking with Kwankwaso, so how would I know what you are talking about?” he said, while describing Kwankwaso as a strong political figure.
NNPP spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, also declined comment, saying he had no useful information on the matter.
