Kwankwaso denies planned exit from ADC as party crisis and uncertainties worsen

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports suggesting that he and his political associates have concluded plans to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid the party’s growing internal and legal challenges.

In a statement released today, Kwankwaso said no final decision had been taken regarding his political future, contrary to widespread speculation about possible realignments within the ADC.

The former Minister of Defence said recent developments within the party, including court rulings and legal disputes, had placed the ADC in a “precarious position.”

According to him, the Supreme Court judgment affirming the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee also returned aspects of the dispute to the High Court, while a Federal High Court recently ruled against the party’s convention.

Kwankwaso further disclosed that the Attorney General of the Federation had approached a Federal High Court seeking the deregistration of the ADC. He said the unfolding crisis bore similarities to the circumstances that forced him and his allies to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which he described as being plagued by externally influenced legal problems.

The former governor revealed that consultations had commenced with political stakeholders, including leaders of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and other groups to determine the best political path forward. “We shall announce our decision in the soonest possible time,” he said.

Kwankwaso also addressed speculation surrounding his alleged presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that neither the ADC had zoned its presidential ticket nor had he declared interest in contesting. “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 stated.

The former presidential aspirant said his political history reflected his commitment to democracy, party unity and national interest above personal ambition. He recalled supporting former President Muhammadu Buhari after losing the 2014 APC presidential primary and backing Atiku Abubakar after the 2019 Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary.

Kwankwaso also explained that his absence from two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments, adding that he had communicated his apologies to the party leadership.

He assured supporters that any definitive political decision would be formally communicated through official channels at the appropriate time.