Obi, Makinde, Dickson visit Kwankwaso in Kano amid speculation of defection to ADC

The Sallah visit by Peter Obi, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Seriake Dickson and other prominent figures to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Kano on Sunday has stirred fresh political conversations, coming at a time speculation is mounting over a possible move by the former Kano governor to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, arrived in Kano alongside Governor Makinde as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Also in the delegation were Dickson, the Senior Executive Assistant to the Oyo State Governor, Bayo Lawal; businessman, Peter Eledan; and His Royal Majesty, King A. J. Turner.

Their presence at Kwankwaso’s Residence attracted a large crowd of loyalists of the former governor, many of whom thronged the venue to welcome the visiting dignitaries.

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Although the visit was officially described as a Sallah courtesy call, it came against the backdrop of growing political intrigue surrounding Kwankwaso’s next political move ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the visit, Obi said the trip was primarily to felicitate with Kwankwaso and the people of Kano during the festive period.

“I am here to felicitate with you on the occasion of the Sallah and to pay my respects to our leader,” Obi said.
He also used the opportunity to speak about the need to revive Kano’s economic base, particularly the once-thriving industrial sector that historically made the city a major commercial hub in northern Nigeria”, Obi said.

According to him, efforts were needed to restore the productivity of key industrial zones in the state, including the Bompai and Sharada industrial layouts, as well as revive notable financial institutions that supported commerce in the region.

“We want to change Kano. We want to build a new Kano. What we want to do is to make sure that we bring back the powers of Kano and restore its industries,” Obi said.
He, however, emphasised that the visit should not be interpreted as a political meeting.

“Today is not about politics; it is about celebrating Sallah. May Almighty Allah bless all of you,” he added.

Despite Obi’s remarks, political observers say the gathering of prominent political figures around Kwankwaso has intensified speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Sources within political circles say Kwankwaso might be considering a move from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the ADC, although no formal announcement has been made.

Insiders say the former governor had reportedly delegated his longtime political associate, Buba Galadima, to initiate talks with leaders of the ADC as part of exploratory discussions on a potential defection.

The speculation gained momentum following a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal affirming the leadership of the NNPP faction led by Agbo Major over the faction headed by Ajuji Ahmed.

The development has reportedly deepened internal tensions within the party, prompting renewed conversations about Kwankwaso’s political future.
Meanwhile, the ADC in Kano has been witnessing growing activity, largely attributed to the mobilization efforts of former APP chairman, Ibrahim Ali Amin.

Political stakeholders and community leaders have increasingly been visiting Amin’s residence, a development that many observers interpret as a sign of expanding grassroots engagement within the party.

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Sources within the ADC indicate that discussions around party structures remain unresolved, with the party leadership reportedly insisting on transparent congresses and inclusive primaries open to all aspirants.

This approach, analysts say, could present a contrast to Kwankwaso’s widely known preference for consensus-based candidate selection within his political movement.
It also remains unclear whether the former Kano governor, if he eventually joins the ADC, would support a governorship aspirant from his political camp or align with other potential contenders within the party.

For now, Sunday’s high-profile Sallah visit has added another layer to the unfolding political calculations in Kano, with many observers closely watching whether the former NNPP presidential candidate will eventually chart a new political course ahead of 2027.