Kwankwaso Clarifies Political Position Amid ADC Crisis

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a formal clarification addressing growing speculation over his political future and alleged realignments within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement released to the public, the former Defence Minister dismissed widespread reports suggesting that he and his associates had reached a decision to exit or realign politically, stressing that no such conclusion has been made. He attributed the confusion to misleading narratives circulating in the media.
Kwankwaso acknowledged that the ADC is currently navigating a turbulent legal and political landscape. He referenced the recent ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) while remitting aspects of the dispute back to the High Court, leaving the party in what he described as a “precarious position.”
He further noted a separate judgment by the Federal High Court that reportedly delegitimised the party’s recent convention, as well as what he termed a “strange” move by the Attorney General of the Federation seeking the deregistration of the ADC.
Drawing parallels with his earlier exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Kwankwaso explained that external legal pressures had previously made continued membership untenable, warning that the ADC now appears to be facing similar challenges.
In response, he disclosed that he and other key stakeholders have commenced broad consultations across the political spectrum, including engagements with leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), aimed at determining the most viable path forward.
On the question of presidential ambition, Kwankwaso firmly denied declaring any intention to run or endorsing any aspirant. He emphasized that the ADC has yet to zone its presidential ticket or adopt a candidate, rendering ongoing speculations “premature and unfounded.”
Reaffirming his democratic credentials, Kwankwaso recalled his participation in the 2014 presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he finished second to Muhammadu Buhari, and subsequently supported the party to victory. He also highlighted his role in the 2019 presidential race under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where he backed Atiku Abubakar after the primaries and served as campaign coordinator in the North.
Addressing concerns over his recent absence from ADC stakeholders’ meetings, Kwankwaso explained that unavoidable personal commitments prevented his attendance, noting that he had duly communicated his apologies to party leadership.
He concluded by assuring supporters and the public that consultations are ongoing and that any definitive decision regarding his political direction will be formally communicated through appropriate channels at the right time.