KANO — Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing recent attempts by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe to destabilise the party as a “futile” strategy orchestrated by the ruling APC to derail opposition momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former Governor of Kano State and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement declared that the party remains united despite what he termed the “miserable” performance of the current administration. Kwankwaso asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s government is “unsettled” by the growing strength of the ADC coalition and is using internal distractions as a “last fight” for political survival.
The “Gombe Faction” and Allegations of APC Interference
Kwankwaso’s stance comes amidst a heated leadership dispute where Nafiu Bala Gombe has claimed “authentic” leadership of the ADC. The Kwankwasiyya leader and the ADC mainstream have flatly rejected these claims, labeling the crisis as a manufactured distraction.
“We are still in ADC, and we will not leave to join any other party,” Kwankwaso declared. “Nafiu Bala’s attempts to cause turmoil are futile. We are aware that Tinubu’s APC is using him to distract us and slow our momentum. What they don’t know is that the more they try to slow us, the more they embolden us.”
Intelligence reports suggest Gombe has been attempting to mobilise state chairmen at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja to “rubber stamp” his leadership—a move Kwankwaso describes as a desperate ploy. Despite this pressure, INEC has so far maintained a “status quo” stance, leaving the party’s official leadership records frozen.
A “Miserable” Performance and the 2027 Outlook
In a stinging critique of the presidency, Kwankwaso argued that Nigeria has already rejected the APC due to its “miserable” performance over the last three years. He maintained that the ADC—now a “Big Tent” for heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai—represents the only viable platform to challenge the current government in 2027.
“Tinubu knows he cannot win a fair election against the ADC,” Kwankwaso stated. “He is just trying his last fight because he knows the country has rejected him and his party.”
The Legal Battle Ahead
The ADC mainstream is scheduled to return to the Federal High Court in Abuja today, Tuesday, April 7, to seek the summary dismissal of the suit filed by Gombe. They intend to cite Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026, which strictly forbids the judiciary from interfering in the internal leadership affairs of political parties.
As the April 14 National Convention approaches, the message from the Kwankwasiyya movement is clear: the ADC is not for sale, and no amount of “political engineering” from Aso Rock will stop the momentum toward the next general election.
