Senior leaders and stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State have reaffirmed their support for Malam Ibrahim Khalil as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election, while rejecting what they described as interference from a national party official.
The position was contained in a statement issued by members of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team (ESILT) and addressed to the party’s national leadership.
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The stakeholders said Khalil emerged as the preferred candidate during the ADC governorship primary conducted on May 22, 2026, where he reportedly secured 55,851 votes against his challenger’s 4,000 votes.
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According to the group, the outcome reflected the wishes of party members in Kano and should remain binding.
“The election produced a clear outcome and the mandate given by party members must be respected,” they stressed.
The stakeholders maintained that their endorsement extended beyond the primary election and was also informed by Kano’s political realities and strategic importance in national politics.
They described Khalil as a candidate with broad grassroots support across different social and religious groups.
The group also pointed to his long-standing involvement in party activities and his perceived ability to strengthen the ADC’s presence in the North-West.
According to them, Khalil has also built influence among women and young people through public engagements and media outreach.
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The Kano leaders criticised what they described as external attempts to influence the affairs of the state chapter.
They specifically accused Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammed, former Deputy National Chairman (Values and Ethics), of actions they claimed disrupted the conduct and announcement of the primary process.
According to them, the party’s constitution does not grant national officers unilateral authority to direct state chapters.
“Party structures and constitutional provisions must be respected. No individual should override decisions taken by members at the state level,” the statement read in part.
The stakeholders further contended that recent constitutional changes within the party had altered the status of the office previously occupied by Naja’atu Muhammed.
Responding to concerns about campaign financing, the group dismissed suggestions that financial limitations could weaken Khalil’s electoral chances.
They cited previous political victories in Kano where candidates prevailed despite competing against wealthier opponents.
“Kano voters have repeatedly demonstrated that leadership qualities, credibility and public trust can outweigh financial advantage,” they maintained.
The group called on the ADC national leadership to address the dispute and ensure that the outcome of the primary election remains intact.
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They warned that ignoring the position of party members in Kano could create internal divisions and weaken the party’s future electoral prospects.
The statement was signed by former ADC Kano Chairman, Alhaji Musa Shuaibu Ungogo; party elder, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo; and Dr Bala M. Takai, Administrative Secretary of ADC Kano State, on behalf of members of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team.
