Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has opened the door to a possible political realignment, confirming ongoing consultations with other parties amid the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ‘s deepening internal and legal crises.
In a statement clarifying his political position, Kwankwaso said recent developments had left the ADC in what he described as a “precarious position”, fuelling uncertainty about the party’s future and prompting wider consultations among key stakeholders.
“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,” he said.
“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 a series of legal setbacks confronting the party, including conflicting court decisions and moves that could threaten its existence.
According to him, “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.”
The unfolding crisis, he noted, mirrors the circumstances that led to his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
“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,” he said.
Against this backdrop, Kwankwaso disclosed that he and his political associates have begun exploring alternatives, holding talks with leaders across the political spectrum, including the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), among others.
“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,” he said.
Despite growing speculation, the former governor dismissed claims about his presidential ambition, insisting that neither he nor the party had taken any formal position.
In his words, “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.”
Reaffirming his political track record, Kwankwaso said he has consistently prioritised party unity and national interest over personal ambition, citing his roles in previous presidential contests under both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings, he attributed it to personal commitments, noting that he had duly informed the party leadership.
“My absence from the two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments. I promptly communicated my apologies to the party leadership,” he said.
Kwankwaso assured that consultations would continue, adding that any final decision on his political future would be formally communicated at the appropriate time.
“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,” he noted.
