Kwankwaso Undecided on ADC Exit, Hints at Potential New Political Alignments

‎‎Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has clarified that he has not taken any final decision regarding his political future, amid growing speculation about his possible exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

‎In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page late Saturday, Kwankwaso dismissed widespread reports suggesting he had concluded plans to defect to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emphasizing that consultations are still ongoing.

‎Kwankwaso Addresses ADC Crisis and Political Uncertainty

‎Kwankwaso acknowledged the internal challenges currently facing the ADC, pointing specifically to recent legal developments that have created uncertainty within the party. According to him, the situation intensified following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), while also remitting aspects of the dispute back to the lower courts.

‎He further noted that a decision by the Federal High Court of Nigeria to invalidate the party’s recent convention has compounded the crisis. Adding to the tension, the Attorney General of the Federation reportedly filed an application seeking the deregistration of the ADC.

‎Kwankwaso described these developments as placing the party in a “precarious position,” forcing key stakeholders to reassess their political strategies ahead of the next electoral cycle.

‎Consultations Ongoing With Major Political Stakeholders

‎The former governor revealed that he and his political allies have begun broad consultations with multiple political platforms, including the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the NDC, as part of efforts to determine the most viable path forward.

‎He explained that the move is aimed at safeguarding democratic interests and ensuring political stability for his supporters.

‎“No final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates. We are exploring all available options and will communicate our position at the appropriate time,” he stated.

‎Presidential Ambition: No Declaration Yet

‎On the issue of the 2027 presidential election, Kwankwaso maintained that he has not declared any intention to contest. However, he reiterated that any political platform he joins must be willing to consider him for either the presidential or vice-presidential ticket.

‎Kwankwaso, who ran in the 2023 presidential election, finished fourth behind Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi. He secured victory only in Kano State.

‎Highlighting his political track record, Kwankwaso pointed to his participation in the 2014 primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he came second to Muhammadu Buhari, and later supported the eventual winner.

‎Similarly, after contesting the 2019 presidential primary under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he backed Atiku Abubakar and played a key role in coordinating the party’s campaign in Northern Nigeria.

‎ADC Yet to Decide on Presidential Candidate

‎Kwankwaso also clarified that the ADC has not yet zoned its presidential ticket or selected a candidate for the upcoming elections. He cautioned against speculation, stating that any claims regarding endorsements or candidacy are premature.

‎Other prominent figures reportedly linked to the ADC’s presidential ambitions include Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

‎Apology for Absence at ADC Meetings

‎Addressing his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings, Kwankwaso explained that it was due to unavoidable personal commitments. He noted that he had formally communicated his apologies to the party leadership.

‎He reaffirmed his commitment to continued engagement with party stakeholders, promising that any official decision regarding his political direction would be communicated through the appropriate channels.