Kwankwaso Denies Endorsing Presidential Candidate, Urges Public to Disregard Speculation
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ABUJA, Nigeria— Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has dismissed reports suggesting he has endorsed a presidential candidate ahead of future elections, describing the claims as “premature and unfounded.”
In a statement addressing recent political developments, Kwankwaso said no final decision had been taken on his political future or that of his associates, amid growing speculation of realignments within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“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. “However, I wish to state categorically that no final decision has been taken.”
Kwankwaso pointed to ongoing legal uncertainties surrounding the party, noting that a recent Supreme Court ruling affirmed the legitimacy of the David Mark-led National Working Committee but referred aspects of the dispute to a lower court. He added that a separate Federal High Court ruling had invalidated the party’s recent convention, further complicating its internal stability.
He also cited a move by the Attorney General of the Federation seeking the deregistration of the ADC, describing it as unusual and contributing to what he called a “precarious position” for the party.
Kwankwaso explained that his political group had previously exited the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) due to legal challenges, and warned that similar issues were now affecting the ADC.
“As a result, we have commenced wide-ranging consultations with key stakeholders, including leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), among others, to determine the best path forward,” he said.
On the question of presidential ambition, Kwankwaso reiterated that the ADC had yet to zone its presidential ticket or select a candidate, stressing that he has neither declared an intention to run nor endorsed any aspirant.
He recalled his past political conduct, noting his support for Muhammadu Buhari after finishing second in the 2014 APC presidential primary, and his backing of Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 elections after contesting the PDP ticket.
“I have always placed national interest and party unity above personal ambition,” he said.
Kwankwaso also clarified that his absence from two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to prior commitments, adding that he had communicated his apologies to party leadership.
He assured that any definitive decision on his political direction would be formally communicated through appropriate channels.
The statement comes amid heightened political maneuvering and uncertainty within opposition parties as alliances and strategies begin to take shape ahead of Nigeria’s next general election cycle.
See his full response below:
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