This post has already been read at least 111 times!
Former Kano State Governor and ex-Minister of Defence, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has firmly dismissed swirling reports of an imminent political realignment, declaring that neither he nor his associates have taken any final decision regarding their future within or outside the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a strongly worded statement posted on his verified X account, Kwankwaso said recent media narratives suggesting a shift in allegiance were “misleading,” emphasizing that consultations are ongoing and no definitive position has been reached.
“In light of the misleading narratives in the public domain, I wish to state categorically that no final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates,” he said.
ADC IN TURMOIL
Kwankwaso’s clarification comes against the backdrop of deepening legal and institutional crises within the ADC, which he described as placing the party in a “precarious position.”
He pointed to conflicting judicial pronouncements, noting that while the Supreme Court affirmed the legitimacy of a faction led by David Mark, it also remitted the matter back to the High Court—further complicating the party’s leadership dispute.
“The recent Supreme Court judgment, while affirming the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), also remitted the matter back to the High Court. This has left the party in a precarious position,” Kwankwaso stated.
He further revealed that the Federal High Court had invalidated the party’s recent convention, while the Attorney General of the Federation has taken the unusual step of seeking the party’s deregistration.
“The Federal High Court has recently ruled to delegitimise the party’s recent convention. The Attorney General of the Federation has also strangely applied to a Federal High Court to deregister the ADC,” he added.
Parallels With NNPP Exit
Drawing parallels with his earlier political experience, Kwankwaso explained that his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) was triggered by similar external pressures.
“We left the NNPP due to externally influenced legal problems that made our stay perilous. The ADC has now been also forced into this difficulty,” he said.
Consultations Underway
Amid the uncertainty, the former governor disclosed that he and other key stakeholders have initiated wide-ranging consultations with leaders across multiple political platforms.
“Consequently, like other major stakeholders, we have commenced wide-ranging consultations — including with leaders from the NDC, PRP and others to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests,” he revealed.
He assured supporters that a decision would be made public soon.
“We shall announce our decision in the soonest possible time.”
Silence On 2027 Presidential Race
Addressing speculation about his possible ambition for the 2027 presidency, Kwankwaso dismissed such claims as premature, reiterating his history of prioritising party unity over personal ambition.
“I have therefore neither declared any intention to run for president nor endorsed any aspirant. All speculations to the contrary are premature and unfounded,” he said.
He recalled his performance in past presidential contests, including the 2014 primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he came second to Muhammadu Buhari.
“In the 2014 APC presidential primary, I came second to President Muhammadu Buhari (whom I fully supported to victory), with Atiku Abubakar third, Rochas Okorocha fourth, and the late Sam Nda-Isaiah fifth,” he stated.
Kwankwaso also referenced his role in the 2019 elections under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he backed Atiku Abubakar after contesting the party’s ticket.
“Similarly, in 2019, I contested the PDP presidential ticket and immediately supported the winner, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, serving as the campaign’s coordinator in the North. I have always placed national interest and party unity above personal ambition.”
Absence From ADC Meetings
The former minister also addressed concerns about his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings, attributing it to personal commitments.
“My absence from the two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments. I promptly communicated my apologies to the party leadership,” he explained.
Next Steps
Kwankwaso concluded by assuring continued engagement with political actors and stakeholders, stressing that any final decision would be communicated through official channels.
“We shall continue to engage constructively at all levels. Any definitive position on our political direction will be communicated formally through official channels at the appropriate time.”
His statement is expected to calm tensions within his political base while intensifying speculation over possible alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This post has already been read at least 111 times!
About the Author
