Former Secretary to the Government, Babachir Lawal, has said that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, is currently in talks with key politicians in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
Lawal said several powerful politicians from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ADC have been meeting with Kwankwaso in an effort to bring him into the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said Kwankwaso is a well-known politician who would be very valuable to any political party.
Lawal said that having Kwankwaso on their side would be an advantage, adding that many members of the coalition are eager for him to join.
He added that the ADC coalition is not focused on political party names, but rather on attracting strong individuals who have large followings in their communities.
“I am aware that people have been holding meetings with Kwankwaso.
“And clearly, Kwankwaso is welcome in the ADC coalition because he belongs to the group of influential figures who can bring a large following.
“Whether Kwankwaso joins with just his supporters or along with the NNPP, Lawal said they would be welcomed either way,” he said.
When asked whether the ADC coalition is targeting the NNPP party structure, the former SGF said the movement is more about people than party platforms.
“The coalition is not about political parties, but about individuals moving into it. It is 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,” he explained.
Lawal also suggested that even if Kwankwaso himself does not join, some of his supporters may still move over to the ADC on their own.
Lawal explained that even if Kwankwaso himself doesn’t join the ADC, many of his supporters are likely to join on their own.
He added that some NNPP local government branches might merge with the ADC, even if the party’s national leadership chooses not to.
He said many influential individuals are already joining the ADC from other parties, but are doing so quietly.
“Big individuals in the states are joining the ADC, but they are not saying they are joining us from the NNPP or the PDP. Atiku joined the ADC and he didn’t say the PDP is joining the ADC.”
He concluded by saying the coalition is focused on the grassroots level, where politics truly matters.