Tension in Tinubu’s camp as Kwankwaso moves to join ADC

Tension is said to be brewing in President Bola Tinubu’s camp ahead of the 2027 election as former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso is set to register with the African Democratic Congress on Monday.

A source close to the party hierarchy told News Diggers that  APC is jittery because Kwankwaso’s defection could spell doom for the APC in the next election.

“Kwankwaso has large a followership in Kano State, which is one of the top states our party is banking on to get massive votes that will guarantee Asiwaju’s reelection.  Our calculation was that he would join the APC following his previous meetings with the President.”

Now that the former NNPP presidential candidate in 2023 election is set to join the APC,  the source said “our chance of winning Kano is very slim. Kwankwaso still has large followership in the state. You could see that when Obi visited the state recently. Kwankwasiyya Movement that graced the event was like seashore sand and that may count for the opposition in the next election.”

The solution according to the source is “for us to look for other politicians that can do grassroots mobilisation for the APC. I don’t really  think Governor Abba Yusuf  has what it takes to match Kwankwaso even as the incumbent APC governor.  We will have to work harder in Lagos, Benue, Rivers and a few other states to make up for whatever happens in Kano.”

News Diggers leaned that the anxiety in Tinubu’s camp was heightened over the weekend after   Kwankwasiyya Movement directed its members nationwide to register with the African Democratic Congress following plans by its leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join the party.

In a statement on Saturday by its spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, the group said Kwankwaso had concluded arrangements to align with a coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu.

“The Kwankwasiyya Movement wishes to formally inform all its members across Nigeria and the general public that our Supreme Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has concluded all necessary arrangements to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” the statement read.

The movement said the former Kano State governor would formally register with the party on Monday in Kano.

“In furtherance of this decision, he will officially register with the party on Monday, 30th March 2026, at his residence, Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Kano, by 12pm.

“Consequently, all members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement are hereby directed to proceed and register with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in their respective wards, local government areas, and states immediately thereafter. Members are also encouraged to fully engage in all party activities and contribute actively toward the growth, development, and success of the party at all levels.”

The group described the move as being in the interest of its members and the country.

“This strategic decision, as always, has been taken in the best interest of the movement, our state, and the nation at large. It reflects our unwavering commitment to the advancement of democratic values, good governance, and the collective aspirations of the people.

“We emphasise that democracy must be protected, and the will of the people must always be respected. The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains resolute, united, and committed to building a better and more inclusive Nigeria.”