Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has suggested that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could still form a political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kwankwaso made the disclosure during a live interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, where he addressed his political realignment and growing partnership with former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

According to the former Kano State governor, discussions and movements within Nigeria’s political space are evolving rapidly, particularly among younger Nigerians who are more concerned about competent leadership than ethnic or religious considerations.

“The NDC and ADC may still work together before the election,” Kwankwaso said during the interview.

He added that many young Nigerians are now prioritising credible leadership over the traditional politics of tribe and religion, stressing that the demand for national transformation is gaining momentum across the country.

Kwankwaso also reflected on his role in the emergence of former President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 presidential election, stating that neither he nor his political supporters benefited from their contribution to Buhari’s victory.

The former minister said his political structure mobilised nearly two million votes in support of Buhari but claimed the effort went largely unrecognised by the administration that followed.

“I worked so hard. We brought about 1.9 million, almost 2 million votes. But as politicians, we were not recognised,” he stated.

Kwankwaso further lamented that both he and the constituencies that backed Buhari failed to receive meaningful rewards or developmental benefits after the election victory.

Reviewing Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, the NNPP chieftain assessed past administrations, noting that former President Olusegun Obasanjo made notable efforts during his tenure, while the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua struggled with health challenges that affected his administration.

He also referenced the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying it was overshadowed by controversies surrounding an alleged agreement on a single-term presidency.

Speaking on the current government, Kwankwaso said many Nigerians believe the country is once again facing major governance challenges, adding that there is growing demand for political change at the grassroots level.

He credited the recent rise in support for the NDC to the dissatisfaction with previous administrations and the political momentum generated by his alliance with Peter Obi after both politicians joined the platform on May 3.

Kwankwaso claimed Nigerians at home and abroad have continued to rally behind the movement, with supporters reportedly opening offices in different parts of the world.

The former governor also argued that national progress should not be tied to regional politics, insisting that effective leadership matters more than where a president comes from.

He explained that his political experience informed his support for zoning the NDC’s 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, maintaining that the country needs capable and committed leaders regardless of ethnicity or region.

“What is key is to have quality leadership, people who are enthusiastic, determined and committed to give the country the leadership it deserves,” he said.