Kwankwaso says no decision on 2027 yet, denies Obi alliance talks

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has dismissed reports suggesting he has concluded plans regarding his political future ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that no final decision has been taken.

Kwankwaso, in a statement issued on Saturday, also denied speculations of an alliance with former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, amid growing claims that both leaders were set to defect to a new political platform on Monday.

The former Defence Minister said ongoing discussions about a possible realignment within the African Democratic Congress were being misrepresented in the public space, stressing that consultations were still in progress.

He noted that recent legal developments had thrown the party into uncertainty, citing the Supreme Court judgment affirming the leadership of the David Mark-led National Working Committee while returning aspects of the case to the High Court. He also referenced a Federal High Court ruling that questioned the legitimacy of the party’s convention, as well as a move by the Attorney General of the Federation to seek the deregistration of the party.

According to him, these developments have placed the ADC in a “precarious position,” prompting him and other stakeholders to begin wide-ranging consultations across political blocs.

Kwankwaso disclosed that engagements were ongoing with leaders of other parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the Peoples Redemption Party, as part of efforts to determine the most viable path forward.

“We have commenced consultations with various stakeholders to explore options that will safeguard our democratic interests. A final decision will be communicated at the appropriate time,” he said.

The NNPP chieftain explained that his exit from the New Nigeria Peoples Party was due to legal challenges that made continued participation untenable, adding that a similar pattern now appears to be affecting the ADC.

On the issue of presidential ambition, Kwankwaso reiterated that he has neither declared his intention to run nor endorsed any candidate for the 2027 election, describing reports to the contrary as “premature and unfounded.”

He recalled his participation in previous presidential contests, including the 2014 APC primary where he finished second to former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the 2019 PDP primary, after which he supported the eventual candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Kwankwaso emphasised that his political decisions have consistently been guided by party unity and national interest rather than personal ambition.

He also clarified that his absence from recent ADC stakeholders’ meetings was due to prior personal commitments, noting that he had formally communicated his apologies to the party leadership.

The statement comes amid heightened political manoeuvring within opposition circles and speculation over a possible merger or realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.