FORMER Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has directed his Kwankwasiyya movement supporters to be battle-ready for the worst-case scenario in next year’s general elections.
Kwankwaso gave the directive on Monday while receiving his membership card of his new political platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at his Miller Road residence. He also directed his diehard loyalists to perfect their registration with the opposition party ahead of time and be prepared for any eventuality in the worst-case scenario.
The former Senator representing Kano Central, who dumped his former political party, the NNPP, at the weekend, urged Kwankwasiyya loyalists to do whatever it takes to defend their votes in the next election and confront any element of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kwankwaso, who spoke in Hausa, directed his followers to prepare for all possible scenarios in defense of their votes at polling units and remain firm across polling units until their votes are counted.
The leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, who instructed members to embark on aggressive membership registration, also urged them to reactivate their voter card registration to send the ruling APC packing in Kano and Nigeria.
Kwankwaso, who was received by the National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, a former President of the Senate, alongside other prominent figures, vowed to reclaim lost political structures in Kano through all lawful means, including strong political mobilization and engagement.
“Let me, on behalf of my hundreds of followers, my family, the Kano family, and the entire people of this state and all our supporters across the country, welcome our august visitors. We appreciate Almighty Allah for making this historic day possible because, when we were committed, we decided collectively to join the ADC.
“I am so happy today that I have collected my membership card for ADC. And by taking this card, I am advising all of you to go back and immediately register. I am aware that many of you, during the celebration, have decided to start registration, which is commendable. Those who have not registered should go and do so.
“And let me also remind you that by April 1, in the next couple of days, INEC will begin voter registration. You must ensure you register—not only with the party but also with INEC to complete the process. You must prepare for any eventuality to defend your votes,” Kwankwaso said.
Senator Kwankwaso, who had previously frowned at calls urging him to join the ADC—describing the party as being filled with his political adversaries, including Nasir El-Rufai, Atiku Abubakar, and Senator Aminu Tambuwal—was, however, seen warmly interacting, smiling, and celebrating with many of the same figures, now his political allies.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, welcomed Kwankwaso and his millions of supporters into the party, describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system.
Mark noted that Kwankwaso’s defection was not merely a political statement but a deliberate response to the growing calls by opposition leaders and well-meaning Nigerians to unite and form a common front to safeguard the country’s democracy.
While accusing the ruling APC of posing a threat to multiparty democracy, Mark expressed concern that Nigeria is witnessing a gradual concentration of power that could edge the nation toward a one-party state.
“There is no doubt that the ruling party, the APC, represents a serious threat to multiparty democracy in Nigeria today. At a time when Nigeria should be strengthening its democracy, we are witnessing a dangerous drift toward weakening the opposition. Your joining the ADC represents our collective resolve to align with the people.
“The ruling party is determined to leave the people with no choice. Nigerians must have a choice. Nigerians must have the right to choose. In a democracy, participation is everything, and anything done to restrict participation is a direct attack on democracy and must be resisted through all lawful means.
“What we are witnessing today is one of those lawful means. It is our way of saying no to totalitarian tendencies in Nigeria. It is a way of saying, let the people decide. By coming together, we are sending a clear message that the future of Nigeria cannot be built through domination; it must be built through participation. Leadership cannot be sustained by control; it must be earned through trust.
“The African Democratic Congress now stands as the rallying point of a new national movement, a movement of inclusion, competence, integrity, and progress. A movement not powered by coercion, but by ordinary Nigerians determined to reclaim their country,” Mark declared.
The occasion was attended by several prominent political figures, including former governors such as Rauf Aregbesola and Emeka Ihedioha; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; and former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura, among others.