Kwankwaso Reacts to ADC Crisis, Begins Fresh Political Consultations

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed growing speculations about his political future, insisting that no final decision has been taken amid ongoing challenges within the party.

In a statement addressing recent media reports, the former Kano State governor clarified that narratives suggesting an imminent political realignment involving him and his associates are misleading and premature.

Kwankwaso noted that the internal crisis within the ADC has been further complicated by recent judicial developments. He referenced a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which affirmed the legitimacy of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by David Mark, but simultaneously remitted the matter back to the High Court—creating what he described as a “precarious situation” for the party.

The situation, he added, was worsened by a separate judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, which reportedly invalidated the party’s recent convention. He also raised concerns over a move by the Federal Ministry of Justice Nigeria, which has applied to deregister the ADC, further deepening uncertainty within the party.

Kwankwaso recalled that his political group had previously exited the New Nigeria Peoples Party due to what he described as externally driven legal challenges, warning that the ADC now appears to be facing a similar fate.

In response to the unfolding developments, the former Minister of Defence revealed that he and other stakeholders have initiated broad consultations across the political spectrum. According to him, engagements are ongoing with leaders of parties such as the National Democratic Congress and the Peoples Redemption Party, among others, to determine the best course of action.

He assured that a clear decision on his political direction would be communicated in due course.

Addressing speculations about his presidential ambition, Kwankwaso reiterated his history of prioritising party unity and national interest. He recalled finishing second in the 2014 presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress behind Muhammadu Buhari, whom he subsequently supported to victory. He also cited his participation in the 2019 presidential race under the Peoples Democratic Party, where he backed Atiku Abubakar after the primaries and served as the party’s campaign coordinator in the North.

He stressed, however, that the ADC has not zoned its presidential ticket nor selected any candidate, making any claims about his ambition unfounded.

Kwankwaso also explained 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 constructive engagement within the party and assured supporters that any definitive stance on his political future would be officially communicated at the appropriate time.