ADC Crisis: Kwankwaso opens up on possible political realignment

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has addressed growing speculation about his possible departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following internal disputes within the party.

Reports had earlier suggested that amid the ongoing legal tussles in the ADC, Kwankwaso might be weighing a move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). There were also indications that he could align with Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last general election, in a potential shift to the new platform.

Sources close to both political figures hinted that such a move could materialise soon.

However, in a statement shared on his verified social media accounts late Saturday, Kwankwaso clarified his position, noting that the same type of crisis that forced him and his supporters out of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) is now affecting the ADC.

He disclosed that consultations are ongoing across political circles, including with stakeholders in the NDC, as he weighs his next move.

Kwankwaso urged his supporters to remain patient, assuring them that a decision would be announced in due course.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

The former governor also addressed speculation surrounding a possible presidential ambition within the ADC, stressing that no such decision has been made.

“I wish to recall my consistent record as a committed democrat. In the 2014 APC presidential primary, I came second to President Muhammadu Buhari (whom I fully supported to victory), with Atiku Abubakar third, Rochas Okorocha fourth, and the late Sam Nda-Isaiah fifth.

“Similarly, in 2019, I contested the PDP presidential ticket and immediately supported the winner, His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, serving as the campaign’s coordinator in the North. I have always placed national interest and party unity above personal ambition.

“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.

“My absence from the two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments. I promptly communicated my apologies to the party leadership.

“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.”