Former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has reaffirmed his continued membership in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), despite ongoing internal legal disputes and speculation about his political future. In a statement released late Saturday night, Kwankwaso clarified that while he has not made a final decision, decamping from the party remains a possibility. He also disclosed that he has been holding consultative talks with leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), as part of broader efforts to safeguard democratic interests amid the ADC’s current turmoil.
The ADC has been plunged into crisis following a recent Supreme Court judgment that upheld the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), but also sent the matter back to the High Court for further proceedings. This has created uncertainty within the party, compounded by a Federal High Court ruling that invalidated the party’s recent convention. Adding to the chaos, the Attorney General of the Federation has filed an application with a Federal High Court seeking to deregister the ADC, raising serious concerns about the party’s legal standing.
Kwankwaso explained that the ADC’s current predicament mirrors the situation that led his group to leave the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) due to externally influenced legal challenges. He emphasized that, like other key stakeholders, he has initiated wide-ranging consultations with leaders from other political parties to explore viable options. He stressed that any final decision on his political direction will be communicated formally through official channels at the appropriate time.
On the issue of presidential aspirations, Kwankwaso reiterated his long-standing commitment to democratic values and party unity. He recalled finishing second in the 2014 APC presidential primary, where he supported President Muhammadu Buhari, and later serving as campaign coordinator for Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 PDP presidential race. He emphasized that he has never prioritized personal ambition over national interest or party cohesion.
The ADC has not yet zoned its presidential ticket or chosen a candidate, and Kwankwaso stated that he has neither declared any intention to run for president nor endorsed any aspirant. He dismissed all speculations on the matter as premature and unfounded. He also explained that his absence from the party’s two recent stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments, and he had promptly apologized to the leadership.
As the ADC navigates this legal and political storm, Kwankwaso’s statement underscores the fragility of party structures in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape. His continued engagement with multiple parties signals a strategic recalibration, and his next move could influence the broader political realignment ahead of upcoming elections.
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