Kwankwaso in Talks to Join ADC Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections, Says Babachir Lawal
Former SGF Reveals High-Level Political Discussions
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has revealed that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the influential leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, is currently engaged in discussions with key figures in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition. This development comes as political realignments intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Strategic Political Maneuvering
Lawal disclosed that prominent politicians from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ADC have been holding meetings with Kwankwaso in what appears to be a concerted effort to bring the former Kano State governor into the coalition fold. The former SGF emphasized Kwankwaso’s political value, describing him as a heavyweight whose inclusion would significantly strengthen any political platform.
“I am aware that people have been holding meetings with Kwankwaso,” Lawal stated. “Clearly, Kwankwaso is welcome in the ADC coalition because he belongs to the group of influential figures who can bring a large following.”
ADC’s People-Centric Approach
The former government official explained that the ADC coalition’s strategy focuses more on attracting influential individuals with strong grassroots support rather than pursuing party mergers. According to Lawal, the movement prioritizes political figures who command significant followings in their respective communities over party structures or symbols.
“The coalition is not about political parties, but about individuals moving into it,” Lawal clarified. “It’s not the logo or letterhead paper that we’re after. It’s the people who make up those parties. They can come in individually or in groups. They are welcome.”
Potential Scenarios for Kwankwaso’s Involvement
Lawal outlined several possible scenarios regarding Kwankwaso’s potential involvement with the ADC:
- Kwankwaso could join with his personal supporters
- The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) might merge with ADC
- Individual NNPP members might defect independently
“Whether Kwankwaso joins with just his supporters or along with the NNPP, they would be welcomed either way,” Lawal stated, highlighting the coalition’s flexible approach.
Grassroots Movement Building
The former SGF revealed that significant political realignments are already occurring at the state level, with many influential figures quietly joining the ADC from various political parties. He cited the example of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s movement to the ADC without an official party merger.
“Big individuals in the states are joining the ADC, but they are not saying they are joining us from the NNPP or the PDP,” Lawal observed. “Atiku joined the ADC and he didn’t say the PDP is joining the ADC.”
Focus on Grassroots Politics
Lawal emphasized that the ADC coalition’s strategy centers on grassroots mobilization, where he believes real political power resides. He suggested that even if Kwankwaso doesn’t formally join the ADC, many of his supporters might independently align with the coalition.
“Some NNPP local government branches might merge with the ADC, even if the party’s national leadership chooses not to,” Lawal predicted, underscoring the coalition’s bottom-up approach to political organization.
As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the 2027 elections, these developments suggest significant realignments may be underway, with the ADC positioning itself as a potential major player through strategic recruitment of influential political figures.
Credit: This report is based on original reporting from GistMania.