- Safiu Kehinde
Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has admitted to the ongoing leadership crisis and other huddles within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Kwankwaso acknowledged that the recent Supreme Court’s ruling has left the party in a precarious position.
He made this known in a statement issued on his official X handle Saturday in reactions to speculations of possible realignment, specifically his alleged plot to defect to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) on Monday.
As against the claims, Kwankwaso held that no decision has been taken over his political future despite the leadership crisis and unresolved litigation case of the ADC.
“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.” He said.
Kwankwaso however acknowledged ongoing consultation with the NDC and other opposition party stakeholders.
“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 ex-Kano governor said.
On his presidential aspiration, Kwankwaso highlighted his previous records.
He however noted that he is yet to declare any intention to run for president nor endorsed any aspirant, stressing that all speculations to the contrary are premature and unfounded.
“On the issue of presidential candidacy, 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.” He said.
Kwankwaso explained that his absence from the two recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments.
While apologising over the absence, the ex-Kano governor pledged that he would continue his engagement across all levels and formally communicate any development to his supporters.
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.