Kwankwaso orders supporters to quit ADC ahead planned defection to NDC with Peter Obi

Former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has directed his supporters to resign from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as he prepares to defect to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) next week, with indications that Peter Obi will join him.

The directive emerged after a key figure of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Kabiru Adamu Abdullahi, announced his resignation from the ADC, citing instructions from the Movement’s leadership.

In a resignation letter dated May 1, 2026, addressed to his ward chairman, Abdullahi stated he was leaving the party with immediate effect. “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me to be part of the party and wish you and the party the very best,” he wrote.

In a separate statement on social media, Abdullahi linked his decision directly to Kwankwaso’s directive.

Quoting a Kwankwasiyya leader, Shehu Wada Sagagi, the report explained that the move to the NDC followed careful consideration of legal risks facing the ADC.

“In his wisdom, our leader and the Movement agreed that going to the NDC is the best option because there are more dangerous legal threats against the ADC. We must look for a way out,” Sagagi said.

Kwankwaso is expected to join the NDC alongside Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. Obi is also anticipated to announce his defection soon, amid speculations that both men will appear on the same presidential ballot in 2027.

Obi, who joined the ADC some months ago after leaving the Labour Party, is reportedly close to exiting the platform. However, the Obidient Movement on Saturday called for calm among supporters.

In a statement posted by national coordinator Yunusa Tanko on his X handle, the movement said: “We wish to reassure all supporters and members of the movement across Nigeria and in the diaspora that His Excellency, Peter Gregory Obi, is currently engaged in extensive, high-level consultations with key stakeholders, political allies, and aligned movements. These engagements are focused on determining the most strategic and effective path forward in the best interest of the Nigerian people and our shared mission to build a New Nigeria.”

The movement reiterated that any decision taken would reflect its values and long-term vision, urging Obidients not to be swayed by speculative reports. “Peter Obi remains fully committed to this mission and will, in due course, formally address the Obidient Movement and the general public to provide clarity on the current situation and the direction ahead,” the statement added.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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