“2027 Unveiled: Abati’s Bold Insights on Kwankwaso’s Journey to ADC”
Seasoned journalist and previous presidential advisor, Reuben Abati, has indicated that the shift of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, could considerably alter the opposition scenario in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
Discussing this on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Tuesday, Abati remarked that Kwankwaso’s transition, along with his backers from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has fortified the ADC and positioned it as a unifying platform for principal opposition personalities.
Abati highlighted the strategic significance of Kano State in presidential elections, pointing out its 44 local government areas and substantial voter populace, labeling it as a critical arena, alongside Rivers and Lagos states.
He remarked that Kwankwaso, seen as a formidable political presence in Kano, could greatly affect the trajectory of the 2027 contest after his switch.
The analyst, however, raised concerns about the internal dynamics within the ADC, especially regarding the party’s presidential nomination.
He mentioned that Kwankwaso has long harbored presidential aspirations and questioned whether he would obtain the party’s nomination, become a running mate, or be included in a wider political framework.
Abati also referred to ongoing rumors about a potential alliance between Kwankwaso and Obi, while questioning how such a scenario might influence the political standing of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within the party.
He stated: “Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso has now aligned with his NNPP and Kwankwansiya supporters in the ADC.
“What has transpired with that movement is that the ADC has gained strength, and it now comprises, you know, leading opposition figures. You have Peter Obi present. You have Rotimi Amaechi involved. You have Atiku Abubakar also included.
“And Kano, as I’ve pointed out previously on this platform, is a critically important landscape in Nigerian elections. You are discussing 44 local government areas. You are talking about a large share of the electorate.
“There are certain states you must win in this nation if you aspire to be president. Kano is one of those, alongside Rivers and Lagos.
“And now you have the most prominent politician currently in Kano state joining the ADC.
“He was expected to have joined the APC. We were informed that there were discussions, but then his protégé, the state governor, joined the APC ahead of him.
“Kano state is poised to be a significant battleground in 2027. Nevertheless, Dr Kwankwaso has consistently affirmed his desire to be the president of Nigeria.
“Now, will they grant him the nomination? Will he step in as a running mate to another candidate? I’ve been noticing people suggesting ‘PitaKwa’ 2027, implying he will partner with Peter Obi of the ADC as a running mate. Is that feasible?
“How will that unfold? What does that imply for Waziri Adamawa, our former vice president, Atiku Abubakar? Will he simply sit back and permit ‘Pitakwa’ within the ADC?
“So we are merely witnessing the initial stages of this drama, and there is bound to be considerable intrigue, either from the politicians themselves or from the entertainment industry.”
