Kwankwaso joins ADC – Ripples Nigeria

Former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Monday officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a watershed moment for opposition politics in the state.
ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, received Kwankwaso and his supporters at his residence, Monday.

Mark stressed that Kwankwaso’s defection was more than just a political adjustment and described it as a deliberate response to the call of Nigerians to form a cohesive and resilient opposition capable of safeguarding democratic values.

He noted that ADC now represents a broad-based national movement platform that is based on inclusion, integrity, competence and progress.

According to him, the coalition aims to provide a credible alternative for the Nigerian people and restore confidence in democratic governance.

Mark expressed concern over what he called the gradual erosion of opposition space and warned that measures that could limit political participation were a threat to democracy.

The former Senate President emphasized the importance of maintaining citizens’ rights to freely choose their leaders.

“Nigeria’s future cannot be built on domination but on participation. Leadership must be earned through trust, not maintained through control,” he said.

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According to him, Kwankwasio has a significant grassroots following, especially in Northern Nigeria, under the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The ADC Chairman called on Nigerians of all ethnicities, religions and regions to join the movement and urged 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 organizations and youth groups to form a united coalition, noting that the task of strengthening democracy requires collective efforts and sacrifices.

Mark expressed optimism that this emerging alliance would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey and called on Nigerians to embrace unity, participation and hope in shaping the nation’s future.

Previously, Kwankwaso urged ADC supporters to register en masse as party members.

He also encouraged them to advance the ideals of the party and prepare themselves to elect credible leaders for good governance through the registration of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The former governor disbanded the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPC) at the weekend.

There are indications that the former governor is heading towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) after being approached by party leaders at various levels.

But in a surprising turn of events, he chose to pitch his tent with the ADC rather than the ruling party.