“I Have Neither Declared Any Intention to Run for President Nor Endorsed Any Aspirant” — Kwankwaso Denies Defection Rumours

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has dismissed speculation about a possible political realignment, stating that neither he nor his associates have taken any final decision regarding their next move amid ongoing tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a statement addressing recent reports, Kwankwaso said narratives suggesting an imminent shift were inaccurate. “No final decision has been taken regarding my political future or that of my political associates,” he said.

The former Kano State governor pointed to a series of legal developments that have left the party in uncertainty. He noted that a recent ruling by the Supreme Court affirmed the legitimacy of the National Working Committee led by David Mark but also returned aspects of the dispute to a lower court, placing the party in what he described as a “precarious position.”

He also referenced a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated the party’s recent convention, alongside a move by the Attorney General of the Federation to seek the deregistration of the ADC. “The party has now been forced into difficulty,” Kwankwaso said.

Kwankwaso recalled that his group had earlier exited the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) due to legal challenges, warning that similar pressures are now affecting the ADC.

As a result, he confirmed that consultations are ongoing with multiple political 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,” he said, adding that a formal decision would be announced soon.

On the question of presidential ambition, Kwankwaso was explicit in distancing himself from ongoing speculation. “I have neither declared any intention to run for president nor endorsed any aspirant,” he said, stressing that the ADC has yet to take a position on zoning or candidates.

Reflecting on his political history, Kwankwaso highlighted his record of party loyalty, referencing his support for Muhammadu Buhari after the 2014 APC primaries and for Atiku Abubakar following the 2019 PDP contest. “I have always placed national interest and party unity above personal ambition,” he said.

He also addressed his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings, attributing it to “unavoidable personal commitments” and noting that he had communicated his apologies to party leadership.

Kwankwaso said any definitive position on his political direction would be communicated through official channels.