Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports linking him to any fresh political alignment, stating that no conclusion has been reached on his next move amid the internal turmoil within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement personally issued by him, the former Defence Minister said recent narratives suggesting a shift in his political direction were misleading and did not reflect his current position.
He said, “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.”
Kwankwaso pointed to ongoing legal battles affecting the party, noting that “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.”
He added, “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.”
The former presidential aspirant recalled his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), linking it to legal disputes, and said the ADC now faces similar challenges.
“We left the NNPP due to externally influenced legal problems that made our stay perilous. The ADC has also been forced into this difficulty,” he said.
Kwankwaso disclosed that consultations are ongoing with other political figures and groups. “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 speculation about his presidential ambition, he reaffirmed his history of party loyalty and support for consensus candidates.
“I have always placed national interest and party unity above personal ambition,” he stated, while recalling his participation in the 2014 presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress, where he backed Muhammadu Buhari after the contest, and his role in the 2019 campaign of Atiku Abubakar under the Peoples Democratic Party.
He said, “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.”
Explaining his absence at recent party meetings, Kwankwaso said it was due to “unavoidable personal commitments,” adding that he had communicated his apologies to the leadership.
He assured that he would continue consultations and promised that any final decision would be made public through official channels.