By Sabiu Abdullahi
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano state, has said he has not declared interest in the 2027 presidential race and has not backed any candidate.
He made the clarification amid growing speculation about his political plans. The rumours followed a recent national summit of opposition parties held in Ibadan, Oyo State. Reports had linked him with a possible joint ticket alongside Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State.
Supporters of both politicians had also circulated campaign posters on social media in recent days. There were additional claims that the two leaders were preparing to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) due to uncertainty over the party’s presidential ticket.
Earlier, Habibu Mohammed, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, told TheCable that such a move had already received the backing of key stakeholders.
Kwankwaso, however, dismissed the claims in a statement issued on Saturday night. He said no decision has been reached regarding his next political step.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
He also stated that the ADC has not taken any position on zoning its presidential ticket. He said he has not made any declaration or endorsement.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
The development comes after a ruling by the supreme court on Thursday. The court set aside an earlier judgment of the court of appeal which had directed parties involved in the ADC leadership dispute to maintain the status quo.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Mohammed Garba, instructed the faction led by David Mark to return to the federal high court for the determination of the issues in dispute.
Kwankwaso described the situation within the party as difficult. He said the ruling has placed the ADC in “a precarious position”.
“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.
“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.”
He also addressed his absence from recent ADC meetings. He said it was due to personal commitments that had been communicated to the party leadership. He said it was not linked to any plan to defect.
Kwankwaso added that any final decision about his political direction would be made public through official channels.
