The African Democratic Congress has officially welcomed His Excellency Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Former Governor of Kano State and Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2023 General Election, following his formal defection to the party on Monday, March 30, 2026.  The announcement was made during a well-attended rally held at his residence in Kano State, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape and signaling renewed momentum for the African Democratic Congress as it positions itself ahead of future electoral contests.

The rally drew the presence of prominent political figures and stakeholders including Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Chief David Mark, who formally received senator Kwankwaso into the party on behalf of the national leadership.

Addressing party members and supporters at the event after receiving his membership card, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso pledged full commitment to the party’s ideals and encouraged everyone to prepare to elect credible leaders for good governance by registering in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

The African Democratic Congress leadership then emphasized that Senator Kwankwaso has urged his supporters nationwide to join the party while insisting that this move reflects a growing desire among Nigerians for credible leadership and a new political direction in the country. The party also described Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso’s move as part of a wider shift among Nigerians seeking credible leadership and a clear alternative to the current political order. The party noted that this growing sentiment reflects public dissatisfaction with existing structures and a demand for governance that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and inclusive development.

The African Democratic Congress further described Senator Kwankwaso’s entry into the party as a major step towards strengthening opposition politics in Nigeria and a deliberate effort to unite opposition forces and provide Nigerians with credible alternatives.

Additionally, the African democratic Congress raised concerns about what it described as a shrinking democratic space in Nigeria, stating that the party would resist any drift towards a one-party system in the country. The party therefore stressed the need for collective action to safeguard the country’s democratic values and institutions while arguing that a strong and coordinated opposition is essential to ensuring political balance, protecting civil liberties, and promoting electoral integrity.

With this latest development, the African Democratic Congress reaffirms its aim to serve as a rallying platform for leaders committed to inclusion, accountability and people-oriented government while calling on Nigerians, youths, political parties and civil society groups to build a united opposition front ahead of future elections as well as to take an active role in building a more inclusive and accountable system of governance.

With the understanding that leadership cannot be sustained by control but rather through trust, the African Democratic Congress maintains that it stands at the very point of a new national movement of integrity and progress, adding that the movement is not powered by cohesion but by ordinary Nigerians returning to reclaim their country.