2027: ADC Courts Kwankwaso, But Rules Out Presidential Ticket

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has established a high-powered committee to engage influential political figures across opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A senior party official, speaking to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity, revealed that the committee’s mandate is not limited to any single party. The ADC is seeking to strengthen opposition collaboration nationwide in preparation for the polls.

The move comes amid reports that the party is reaching out to prominent political figures, particularly the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to join its platform.

Last Saturday in Kano, Kwankwaso expressed his willingness to align with any opposition coalition that could offer him either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket. He made the remarks while addressing supporters amid speculation surrounding a possible defection by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, outlining conditions for any potential alliance.

Confirming the development to Sunday PUNCH, the ADC source said the party had established structures to manage engagements discreetly.

“It is for proper engagement across all party ranks, though this is not something we expect to be leaked to the public,” the source said.
“We are not targeting a particular political party or individual, as we are maintaining an open dialogue platform with all of them.”

Another senior ADC official clarified that the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, had informed Kwankwaso’s camp that no assurances would be given regarding the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

“It was clearly stated that there will be no offer of either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket from the party leadership to anyone,” the source said.

Recall that in July 2025, the ADC emerged as the coalition platform adopted by opposition leaders seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Since then, under the leadership of Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, the party has intensified efforts to consolidate its structures nationwide and boost public confidence.

Several high-profile opposition figures have already joined the ADC, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in July, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in November, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi on December 31.

A party insider said the ADC leadership is exploring an inclusive government model that could accommodate Kwankwaso and his supporters through strategic political appointments rather than ticket guarantees.

“Since Kwankwaso expressed his willingness to work with the ADC, the party’s leadership has been working around the clock,” the source said.
“The ADC is interested in bringing Kwankwaso on board, but it is not willing to proceed on false assumptions.”

The party’s proposal centers on an inclusive cabinet and government structure where all stakeholders would have a fair share of positions. Another senior ADC official noted that while the party would not offer Kwankwaso the presidential or vice-presidential ticket, David Mark is expected to personally engage him to discuss alternative terms.

“Nobody can promise anyone the presidential or vice-presidential ticket given the current realities within the ADC,” the source said.
“However, the National Chairman can help negotiate positions such as ministerial appointments, National Assembly leadership roles, and even the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation.”

The committee has been tasked with deliberating on these matters and reaching a swift resolution. Party insiders remain optimistic that Kwankwaso will eventually align with the ADC to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration in 2027.

When contacted, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi declined to comment on the existence of the committee but emphasized the party’s commitment to growing its membership base.

“ADC is a party that has come to stay, and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we increase our membership and remove the APC government,” Abdullahi said.

Meanwhile, NNPP Publicity Secretary Oladipo Johnson confirmed that the party and Kwankwaso are consulting with other political groups but did not mention the ADC specifically.

“I am not going to comment on that, but consultations are ongoing,” Johnson said.
“The leadership of the party, including our national leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is consulting with all relevant stakeholders across the country. At the appropriate time, a statement will be issued to clarify our position.”