By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kwankwaso also registered with the party and received his membership card at an event to announce his defection on Monday, March 30, at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.
Announcing his defection, Kwankwaso tweeted on his official X handle, “New Dawn. We are ADC.”
He was welcomed to the ADC by topshots in the party, including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Other party stalwarts at the event are the party’s National Secretary and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun; Senator Dino Melaye; former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, among others.
In a tweet on his official X handle on Monday, Atiku wrote, “When men of conviction come together, power trembles. Welcome aboard, “KwankwasoRM.”
Recall that Kwankwaso had announced his resignation from the NNPP on Sunday, March 29, citing the need for political realignment, describing his exit as a difficult decision given his longstanding involvement with the party.
In a statement, Kwankwaso said, “I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party with immediate effect.
“I seize this opportunity to express my profound gratitude for the honour and privilege of serving as the party’s national leader and its presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections. As a committed and bona fide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make.
“However, considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation.”
Kwankwaso thanked the party leadership, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, and other organs of the party, for their support during his time in the party.
He also acknowledged members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and supporters for their commitment.
“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation,” he added.
