Kwankwaso Speaks on Defection, Obi VP Rumours, ADC Crisis
- Former Kano governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, said he had yet to finalise his decision to dump the ADC after the Supreme Court judgment
- Kwankwaso, in a statement on Saturday, May 2, confirmed that he was in talks with NDC and PRP, while denouncing claims that he was stepping down to be vice president
- The former governor also recalled that he left the NNPP because of legal tussles and that the ADC is now facing a similar crisis
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano state, has addressed reports that he would be dumping the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying that he was still engaging with relevant stakeholders and partners to decide his next political move.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), said he left the party for the ADC over legal issues and explained that his new party is in the same dilemma. Consequently, he disclosed that he was in discussions with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
Source: Twitter
The former governor's comments came amid the report that he had concluded plans to join the NDC along with Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, as well as their supporters. However, Kwankwaso, on his X page on Saturday, May 2, stated that discussions are still ongoing regarding the possible defection from the ADC.
On the issue of dropping his presidential ambition to become a running mate to Peter Obi in the 2027 elections, the former governor of Kano said he was yet to endorse any presidential candidate. He stated that he will prioritise Nigeria first, adding that he has always done so.
While maintaining that he is still a member of the ADC, he noted that the coalition's adopted party had yet to zone its presidential ticket to a particular region. He also dismissed the notion that he has accepted to be a vice presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.
Nigerians react as Kwankwaso addresses defection
However, the statement of Kwankwaso has drawn reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:
Obidient Premier said Kwankwaso and Obi should act fast:
"Atiku and his crew will mess up ADC, Sir. Their precedents speak volumes about what they can do. Both you & Obi shout make haste now, or else their plan is to keep you & Obi stranded. Their words & body language speak volumes as well. Listen to Wike & understand who they are."
Source: Facebook
Tai said it would be wiser for Kwankwaso to leave the ADC on time:
"Staying in ADC, as you rightly said, comes with its risks. For ADC to be on the ballot in 2027 would require a miracle. It may be wiser to make a move now while there is still time. O.K?"
Omo Ologo urged the former presidential candidate to leave the ADC:
"You just confirmed my earlier position that the Supreme Court judgement was a trouble in disguise for your coalition. It is better you look for another party or just wait till 2031."
Uzoh faulted the report that Kwankwaso agreed to be VP to Obi:
"I also asked when Kwankwaso agreed to VP Obi? Obidients sometimes like delusion, they have been shouting OK, but now Kwankwaso is denying anything vice. Eyes go peel."
You can read Kwankwaso's full statement on X here:
INEC takes reverses on ADC crisis
Legit.ng earlier reported that INEC reversed its decision to derecognise the leadership of David Mark, the former Senate president, in the ADC.
The decision came hours after the Supreme Court set aside the ruling of the Court of Appeal regarding the crisis rocking the ADC leadership.
INEC had earlier removed Mark’s name as party chairman from its website, but it reappeared after the Supreme Court ruling.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
