Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged members of the Kwankwasiyya movement to brace for possible challenges ahead of the next general elections, calling on supporters to remain vigilant and committed to protecting their votes.
Kwankwaso gave the charge on Monday in Kano while formally receiving his membership card of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at his Miller Road residence, shortly after defecting from the NNPP.
Addressing loyalists in Hausa, the former Kano State governor encouraged his supporters to complete their registration with the party and participate actively in the ongoing voter registration process.
He stressed the importance of political mobilisation and urged members to prepare for all eventualities during the electoral process, including safeguarding their votes at polling units in accordance with electoral laws.
The former senator representing Kano Central emphasised that supporters must remain steadfast throughout the voting and collation processes to ensure that electoral outcomes reflect the will of the people.
He further advised followers to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards once registration opens, describing voter participation as critical to achieving political change.
“And let me also remind you that by first April, in the next couple of days, INEC will start registration for voter cards. You must make sure you register not only registration of party, you have to also with INEC to complete the process. You must prepare for the worst case scenario to defend your votes,” Kwankwaso said.
Welcoming the former NNPP flagbearer into the party, ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, described the development as a major boost for opposition politics and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
He said Kwankwaso’s entry into the party signalled a broader movement aimed at strengthening democratic participation and offering Nigerians credible political alternatives.
Mark alleged that recent political developments posed risks to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, warning against any attempt to weaken opposition voices.
According to him, the ADC intends to serve as a platform for inclusive political engagement and national renewal through lawful democratic processes.
“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 event attracted several prominent political figures, including former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Rauf Aregbesola and Emeka Ihedioha, alongside former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal and former Director-General of the Department of State Services, Lawal Daura, among other political stakeholders.
Guardian
