JUST IN: Kwankwaso clarifies political position amid defection rumours

Former Kano State governor and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed growing speculation about his political future, stating that no final decision has been taken regarding his next move or that of his associates.

In a statement released amid rising concerns over internal challenges within the ADC, Kwankwaso described circulating reports of a possible realignment as “misleading.”

He noted that while the Supreme Court recently affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), the matter was also remitted to the High Court, leaving the party in what he called a “precarious position.”

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Kwankwaso further pointed to a Federal High Court ruling that questioned the validity of the party’s recent convention, as well as a move by the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, seeking the deregistration of the ADC.

The former Defence Minister explained that his political camp had previously exited the New Nigeria Peoples Party due to legal complications, warning that similar issues now confronting the ADC could not be ignored.

“As a result, we have initiated broad consultations with key stakeholders, including leaders from the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and others, to determine the most viable path forward,” he said.

On speculation surrounding a potential presidential bid, Kwankwaso reaffirmed his record of party loyalty and democratic commitment.

He recalled placing second in the 2014 presidential primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) behind former President Muhammadu Buhari, and later supporting the party’s victory.

He also referenced his participation in the 2019 presidential primary of the Peoples Democratic Party, after which he backed eventual candidate Atiku Abubakar and served as a key campaign coordinator in the North.

Kwankwaso stressed that the ADC has yet to decide on zoning or select a presidential candidate, adding that he has neither declared interest in contesting nor endorsed any aspirant.

“All claims suggesting otherwise are premature and unfounded,” he stated.

Addressing his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings, Kwankwaso said it was due to unavoidable personal commitments, noting that he had formally communicated his apologies to party leadership.

He assured supporters that consultations are ongoing and that any definitive decision regarding his political direction would be communicated through official channels at the appropriate time.