ADC leaders set to receive Kwankwaso in Kano, party records membership surge

Kwankwaso

By Bashir Bello

KANO — The Kano State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said key opposition leaders are expected to formally receive Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the party, in what could mark a significant political realignment.

State Chairman of the party, Musa Ungogo, disclosed this in a telephone interview, describing the anticipated defection as a major boost for the party.

According to Ungogo, prominent opposition figures expected at the event include Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Babachir Lawal, and the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, among others.

Ungogo said Kwankwaso is expected to join the ADC alongside several former commissioners and political appointees who recently resigned from the administration of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf.

He noted that arrangements had been concluded for the former Kano governor’s registration at his residence, where multiple registration centres would be set up to accommodate supporters.

“The national leader, Akilu Indabawa, in conjunction with the chairman of card registration in the state, Auwalu Anwar, will oversee the process. We are opening 10 registration points at Kwankwaso’s residence,” Ungogo said.

The chairman revealed that the party has already recorded a surge in membership ahead of the expected defection, noting that over 167,000 new members had been registered in the past four weeks.

He added that the party anticipates even higher numbers once Kwankwaso formally joins.

Ungogo also disclosed that former Kano governorship candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, is expected to join the party later in the week, with additional registration centres to be set up for his supporters.

Efforts to get a reaction from the Kwankwaso-backed New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) were unsuccessful, as the state chairman, Hashim Dungurawa, declined to comment on the development.

The anticipated defection is seen by observers as a potential game-changer in Kano’s political landscape and a possible boost to opposition coalition efforts ahead of future elections.