Clarification on Political Position — Kwankwaso
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed speculations about his political future, stating that no final decision has been taken regarding his next move or that of his associates amid ongoing challenges within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement addressing recent media reports suggesting a possible realignment within the party, Kwankwaso described such narratives as misleading and premature.
He noted that the recent Supreme Court judgment, which affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), also returned the matter to the High Court, leaving the party in a precarious situation.
He further pointed out that a Federal High Court ruling had invalidated the party’s recent convention, while the Attorney General of the Federation has reportedly filed an application seeking the deregistration of the ADC.
Kwankwaso recalled that his political group had earlier exited the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) due to externally driven legal challenges, adding that the ADC is now facing similar difficulties.
According to him, consultations are ongoing with key political stakeholders, including leaders from the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and others, to determine the most viable path forward. He assured that a formal decision would be announced soon.
On the issue of presidential ambition, Kwankwaso reiterated his commitment to democratic principles and party unity. He recalled his participation in the 2014 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary, where he finished second behind former President Muhammadu Buhari, and subsequently supported him to victory.
He also referenced the 2019 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary, where he contested and later backed the eventual candidate, Atiku Abubakar, serving as the campaign’s Northern coordinator.
He stressed that the ADC has yet to zone its presidential ticket or decide on a candidate, emphasizing that he has neither declared any intention to contest nor endorsed any aspirant. He described contrary claims as unfounded.
Kwankwaso also clarified that his absence from two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments, noting that he had duly informed the party leadership.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to continued engagement with stakeholders, assuring that any definitive position on his political direction would be communicated through official channels at the appropriate time.
Below is Kwankwaso’s statement:
Clarification on My Political Position
We have noted recent media reports and discussions suggesting a possible realignment within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) due to the current challenges facing the party.
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.
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.
In addition, 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.
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.
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. We shall announce our decision in the soonest possible time.
On the issue of presidential candidacy, I wish to recall my consistent record as a committed democrat. 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. 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.
Furthermore, the ADC is yet to zone its presidential ticket or take any decision on a candidate. I have therefore neither declared any intention to run for president nor endorsed any aspirant. All speculations to the contrary are premature and unfounded.
My absence from the two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments. I promptly communicated my apologies to the party leadership.
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.
Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, PhD, FNSE
Former Governor, Kano State
Former Minster of Defence
