‘Kwankwaso’s defection from NNPP to ADC is over-exaggerated political stunt’

‘Kwankwaso’s defection from NNPP to ADC is over-exaggerated political stunt’

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has downplayed the defection of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as exaggerated and driven by personal ambition.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Hon. Seye Oladejo, the party expressed doubt over claims that the development represents a major political shift, insisting that a closer assessment suggests otherwise.

The Lagos APC alleged that Kwankwaso’s decision to switch parties is linked to his long-standing quest for either a presidential or vice-presidential ticket, portraying the move as a calculated attempt to advance individual political interests.

According to the party, the defection lacks ideological grounding and does not reflect any genuine commitment to governance, but rather a strategic repositioning rooted in self-interest.

The statement further cast doubt on the strength of the Kwankwasiyya movement, arguing that it has diminished over time following the exit of key stakeholders, including notable political figures in Kano State.

It added that the former governor’s political influence has been overstated, stressing that true relevance should be determined by the capacity to sustain alliances, build trust, and deliver tangible results.

Reaffirming its stance, the APC said it remains committed to disciplined and principle-driven politics, rejecting what it described as opportunistic defections and self-serving actions.

The party also maintained that Nigerians deserve leadership focused on national development rather than personal ambition, warning that such political realignments could divert attention from governance priorities.

It concluded that Kwankwaso’s move to the ADC should not be seen as a significant political gain, but rather as one that raises concerns about the motivations behind shifting political loyalties.

The statement reads: “While some are eager to portray this move as a seismic political realignment, a closer examination reveals a narrative driven more by ego than by principle.

“Senator Kwankwaso has long publicly declared that any defection on his part must guarantee him a Presidential or Vice Presidential ticket.
“This defection, therefore, is less a genuine commitment to national interest or ideological alignment, and more a calculated exercise in self-aggrandizement. It is a political transaction designed to satisfy personal ambition, not to advance meaningful governance or serve the Nigerian people.
“Moreover, the vaunted Kwankwasiyya movement, often presented as a formidable grassroots force, has long been in tatters. Its abandonment by key stakeholders, including the Kano State Governor and other prominent leaders, laid bare its internal weakness and declining relevance.
“A leader whose so-called movement cannot retain its core supporters is hardly the national game-changer some would have Nigerians believe.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that Senator Kwankwaso’s political influence has been overstated. What is being sold as a strategic realignment is, in reality, an ego-driven, opportunistic maneuver.
“It is a reminder that political prominence is not measured by name recognition or past office, but by the ability to sustain alliances, inspire trust, and deliver results.”