Tension in Kano as Kwankwaso joins ADC, urges supporters to vote for change

From Desmond Mgboh, Kano

Palpable tension gripped Kano, yesterday as leading opposition elements in Nigeria converged on the ancient city of Kano to witness the membership registration exercise of the erstwhile leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The team led by the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, included former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, former Minister of Transport and presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rotimi Ameachi, former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Liyel Imoke and Rauf Aregbesola as well as former deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, among others.

National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark lamented that Nigeria was drifting into a dangerous situation marked by a determined bid to stifle the opposition, adding that the country was steadily etching towards, not just a single party state, but to a state power concentration in the hands of an individual.

He informed Kwankwaso that his entrance into the ADC at this point in time was part of a  collective attempt to align with the people, stressing that Nigerians must have a choice and a right to choose their leader.

He insisted that in a democracy, the people’s participation is inevitable, cautioning that anything that obstructs the direct participation of the people in the choice of their leader is a direct attack on democracy.

“By coming together, we are sending a message that the future of democracy cannot be built through domination. It must be built through participation. Leadership cannot be sustained by control. Leadership can only be sustained by trust,” Mark declared amid cheers 

He described the ADC as a melting point for the new national movement in the country, saying it is “a movement of the future, a movement of confidence, a movement of integrity, a movement not powered by coercion and a movement whose time has come.”

He invited Nigerians, regardless of religion, region, ethnicity and political affiliation, as well as members of other political parties, youth groups, civil society groups to join forces with the ADC to democratically ease out the present government by 2027.

Kwankwaso, who was issued card number 001 of the ADC in Kano State, welcomed the party  delegation that witnessed the historical occasion.

He urged his supporters across the state to immediately go back to their respective wards and register with the ADC while urging them to also ensure that they regularise their registration with the Independent National Election Commission ahead of the 2027 elections.