Rabiu Kwankwaso has said he is yet to decide his next political move, distancing himself from mounting speculation over a possible realignment as internal crises deepen within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement posted on Saturday, the former Kano state governor acknowledged ongoing consultations with leaders of the National Democratic Congress and the Peoples Redemption Party, but stressed that no final decision had been reached.
“We have noted recent media reports and discussions suggesting a possible realignment within the ADC due to the current challenges facing the party,” he said, adding that “no final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates.”
Kwankwaso pointed to a string of legal setbacks that have left the party in a fragile position. He said a ruling by the Supreme Court of Nigeria had affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee, but returned key issues to the high court, prolonging uncertainty.
The situation has been compounded, he added, by a separate judgment of the Federal High Court of Nigeria invalidating the party’s recent convention, as well as a controversial move by the Attorney General of the Federation seeking the ADC’s deregistration.
Kwankwaso likened the turmoil to the legal disputes that forced his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, warning that similar pressures now threaten the ADC’s stability.
“Like other major stakeholders, we have commenced wide-ranging consultations … to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests,” he said, promising that a definitive position would be announced soon.
On the looming 2027 presidential race, Kwankwaso dismissed suggestions that he had declared an interest or endorsed any candidate. He instead framed his political history as one guided by party loyalty, recalling his support for Muhammadu Buhari after finishing second in the 2014 primaries, and for Atiku Abubakar following the 2019 contest.
The ADC, he noted, has yet to zone its presidential ticket or settle on a candidate, making current speculation premature.
Kwankwaso also addressed his absence from recent party meetings, attributing it to personal commitments that were communicated in advance to party leaders. “We shall continue to engage constructively at all levels,” he said, insisting that any eventual decision would be formally communicated “through official channels at the appropriate time.”
