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KANO — The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State has reaffirmed its support for Malam Ibrahim Khalil as the party’s sole governorship candidate for the 2027 election, while strongly rejecting what it described as external interference in the affairs of the state chapter.
The endorsement was contained in a position paper issued by the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team (ESILT) and senior stakeholders of the party, who insisted that the outcome of the party’s gubernatorial primary election must be respected.
According to the leaders, Khalil emerged victorious in the May 22, 2026 primary election with 55,851 votes, defeating his closest rival who polled 4,000 votes.
“The election was clear: there was a winner and a loser,” the stakeholders said. “Our endorsement is not just about the primary results but a strategic decision based on Kano’s political history and local peculiarities.”
The party leaders argued that Kano occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s political landscape and that Khalil possesses the qualities needed to strengthen the ADC’s fortunes in both the state and the wider Northwest region.
They described the Islamic scholar as a politician with “organic grassroots appeal,” noting that he enjoys support across different social classes and religious groups.
“Khalil commands multi-sectarian and cross-class support,” the statement said. “His widespread appeal to women and youth, who listen to his radio programs, positions him as a strong candidate.”
The stakeholders also cited Khalil’s longstanding commitment to the ADC, describing him as a foundational member of the party’s legacy group who played a significant role in building its structures and sustaining it during difficult periods.
They further portrayed him as “a consummate unifier, respected across Islamic groups and among Christian communities,” adding that he offers “a credible departure from the corrupt politics of opposing factions.”
The Kano ADC leadership, however, reserved its strongest criticism for Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammed, accusing the former Deputy National Chairman (Values and Ethics) of interfering in the affairs of the state chapter.
The leaders alleged that she instructed the chairman of the election committee not to announce the results of the primary election and attempted to replace genuine stakeholders with individuals loyal to her.
“Being a national officer does not confer the power to dictate the affairs of a local chapter arbitrarily,” the statement read. “The ADC Constitution defines the powers of each organ, and no provision empowers the Deputy National Chairman to superintend over state chapters.”
They further argued that the office previously occupied by Naja’atu Muhammed no longer exists in any substantive legal capacity following constitutional amendments and decisions reached by the party’s National Executive Committee.
According to them, her actions are “unlawful, constitutionally invalid, and must be treated as such.”
The stakeholders dismissed suggestions that Khalil’s perceived financial limitations could affect his electoral prospects, pointing to previous elections in Kano where candidates 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.
They cited the electoral victories of Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi in 1979, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in 1999 and Ibrahim Shekarau in 2003 as examples of candidates who triumphed despite facing better-funded rivals.
The ADC leaders called on the national leadership of the party to halt what they described as interference in Kano’s affairs and respect the mandate given to Khalil by party members.
“The Kano State ADC is firmly resolved that Malam Ibrahim Khalil’s mandate must be respected,” they declared. “We will no longer tolerate interference or cooperate with her on any party assignment, no matter who issues such a directive.”
The statement was signed, and read out to newsmen in Kano on Sunday by former ADC Kano State Chairman, Alhaji Musa Shuaibu Ungogo.
Other signatories to the position paper included, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo; and the party’s Administrative Secretary in the state, Dr. Bala M. Takai, on behalf of members of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team.
