Atiku visits Kwankwaso after joining ADC

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has paid a courtesy visit to the residence of a former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Monday.

The Waziri Adamawa confirmed this on Wednesday in a post on X on Wednesday.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections said both of them had discussions on the progress of the ADC.

“I paid a courtesy visit to the residence of my brother and partner, His Excellency Rabiu Kwankwaso, @KwankwasoRM, this afternoon. We had quality discussions on the progress of our party, the ADC, and how we must continue the work to ensure good governance and recovery are achieved in good time for the people,” the post read.

Responding, Kwankwaso said he was honoured to receive the former Vice President and his esteemed entourage at his residence in Abuja on Wednesday afternoon.

He listed influential politicians who accompanied Atiku, including Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Alhaji Kashim Imam, Senator Dino Melaye, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, and several other distinguished leaders.

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The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement said he used the opportunity to personally thank the Waziri Adamawa for his warm reception into the ADC and to reaffirm his unwavering commitment to delivering victory for the party at all levels.

On Monday, the ADC leadership welcomed the defection of the former Kano State Governor, describing him as a “game-changer” whose move signals a growing coalition for change ahead of future elections.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said Kwankwaso had directed his supporters nationwide to join the ADC, a development already reflected in a surge of registrations on the party’s online platform within 24 hours.

Abdullahi said his experience in governance, his strong grassroots connection, and his ability to bring people together made him a valuable part of the collective effort to rebuild Nigeria.

His defection was witnessed by key leaders of the party, including the National Chairman, Senator David Mark; the National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; members of the National Working Committee; and leading presidential aspirants such as former Vice President Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Also present were respected party leaders, including Senator Liyel Imoke and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The arrival of Kwankwaso in the ADC has changed the political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as supporters of the former Governor of Anambra State are pushing for an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket, while the Northern bloc is considering the possibility of an Atiku-Obi ticket.