The African Democratic Congress ADC in Kano State has reaffirmed Malam Ibrahim Khalil as its sole governorship candidate for the 2027 elections, dismissing what it described as unconstitutional interference by a national officer.
Speaking at a joint press briefing in Kano on Sunday, senior party stakeholders said Khalil’s victory in the May 22, 2026 primaries, where he secured 55,851 votes against his opponent’s 4,000, must stand.
Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo, a party elder; Alhaji Musa Shu’aibu Ungogo, former ADC Kano chairman; and Dr. Bala M. I. Takai, administrative secretary of ADC Kano, spoke on behalf of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team ESILT and other stakeholders.
“The election was clear: there was a winner and a loser. Our endorsement is not just about the primary results but a strategic decision based on Kano’s political history and local peculiarities,” the leaders said.
They cited Khalil’s grassroots appeal, influence among women and youth through his radio programs, and reputation as a unifier respected across religious divides. The leaders also noted his loyalty as a founding member of the ADC Legacy Group and his capacity to build alliances that could boost the party’s presidential prospects in the Northwest.
Condemn ‘Undue Interference’
The Kano ADC leadership condemned Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammed, former Deputy National Chairman, Values and Ethics, accusing her of attempting to block the announcement of primary results and replacing genuine stakeholders with her allies.
“Being a national officer does not confer the power to dictate the affairs of a local chapter arbitrarily. The ADC Constitution defines the powers of each organ, and no provision empowers the Deputy National Chairman to superintend over state chapters,” the elders stated.
They added that the office previously held by Muhammed no longer exists following constitutional amendments, describing her actions as “unlawful, constitutionally invalid, and must be treated as such.”
Kano’s Political History
Responding to concerns about Khalil’s financial capacity, the leaders drew parallels with past Kano governors Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Ibrahim Shekarau, who defeated wealthier opponents.
“If history teaches us anything, it is that Kano’s electorate has repeatedly shown a willingness to look beyond wealth and choose candidates based on character, integrity, and principles,” they said.
Warning Against Crisis
The party warned that ignoring Khalil’s mandate could trigger an electoral disaster similar to the 2011 CPC crisis in Kano.
“The Kano State ADC is firmly resolved that Malam Ibrahim Khalil’s mandate must be respected. We will no longer tolerate interference or cooperate with her on any party assignment, no matter who issues such a directive,” the statement concluded.
The ADC is positioning itself as a major opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Kano expected to play a decisive role in its Northwest strategy.
