Kwankwaso debunks rumours of alliance with Peter Obi
Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, has debunked rumours making the rounds that he has declared his intention to run for president.
In a statement issued Saturday night, the former presidential candidate under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also declared in clear terms that he has not endorsed any aspirant as running mate in the forthcoming 2027 Presidential Election.
Speculation over Kwankwaso’s political future has intensified since the opposition parties’ national summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, last month. He has been repeatedly linked to a potential joint presidential ticket with Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, with supporters of both politicians circulating campaign posters on social media.
Reports on Saturday further claimed that Kwankwaso and Obi were close to finalising plans to dump the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) amid uncertainty over the party’s 2027 ticket.
Kwankwaso firmly dismissed the claims, saying no decision has been taken regarding his political future.
“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 read.
“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.”
Kwankwaso also clarified that the ADC has yet to take a position on its 2027 presidential ticket, noting that he has made no personal decision either.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Thursday voided a Court of Appeal ruling which had directed parties in the ADC leadership crisis to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Mohammed Garba, ordered the faction led by David Mark to return to the Federal High Court for the hearing and determination of issues arising from the dispute.
Kwankwaso said the ruling has left the party in “a precarious position.”
“We left the NNPP due to externally influenced legal challenges that made our stay perilous. The ADC has now also been drawn into similar difficulties,” he said.
“Consequently, like other major stakeholders, we have commenced wide-ranging consultations — including with leaders of the NDC, PRP and others — to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests. We shall communicate our decision in due course.”
He added that his absence from recent ADC meetings was due to unavoidable personal commitments already communicated to the party leadership, and not because of any imminent defection.
Kwankwaso said any definitive decision on his political
