Kwankwaso breaks silence on ADC crisis 

Former Kano State Governor and ex-Minister of Defence, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed widespread speculation over his political future, declaring that no final decision has been taken regarding his continued stay in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or the next move of his political structure.

Kwankwaso, in a strongly worded clarification, said reports suggesting an imminent realignment or defection were misleading and premature, stressing that consultations are still ongoing amid the deepening legal and leadership crisis rocking the ADC.

The former presidential aspirant noted that although the Supreme Court affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), the matter was returned to the High Court, leaving the party in what he described as a precarious position.

He further pointed to a recent Federal High Court ruling that reportedly invalidated the party’s convention, as well as a move by the Attorney General of the Federation seeking the deregistration of the ADC.

According to him, the growing uncertainty has forced major stakeholders to begin wide consultations with leaders of other political platforms, including the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and others, in search of a viable political alternative.

Kwankwaso recalled that his political camp had earlier exited the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) over what he described as externally induced legal troubles, warning that the ADC now appears to be facing similar challenges.

On mounting speculations about a possible 2027 presidential ambition, the former governor firmly denied declaring interest or backing any aspirant, insisting that the ADC has neither zoned its presidential ticket nor commenced any formal process on candidate selection.

He said all claims linking him to a presidential bid were unfounded and politically motivated.

Kwankwaso also used the opportunity to restate his democratic credentials, recalling how he supported former President Muhammadu Buhari after finishing second in the 2014 APC presidential primary, and later backed Atiku Abubakar after contesting the PDP presidential ticket in 2019.

He maintained that throughout his political career, he has consistently placed party unity and national interest above personal ambition.

Addressing his absence from two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings, Kwankwaso said he was unavoidably engaged elsewhere but had duly communicated his apologies to the party leadership.

He assured supporters that any final decision on his political direction would be formally announced through the appropriate channels in due course.