ADC Kano reaffirms Ibrahim Khalil’s governorship ticket, rejects alleged external interference

By Aisha Yusuf, Kano
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kano State has reaffirmed Malam Ibrahim Khalil as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election, insisting that the outcome of the party’s primary election remains valid and binding.

The party’s position was made known on Saturday during a press conference held at the Kano Press Centre of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where stakeholders accused some national figures within the party of attempting to undermine the mandate freely given to Khalil by party members.

Addressing journalists, representatives of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team (ESILT) and other party stakeholders said Ibrahim Khalil emerged winner of the ADC governorship primary election conducted on May 22, 2026, after polling 55,851 votes, defeating his closest rival who secured 4,000 votes.

The stakeholders maintained that the exercise was transparent and democratic, stressing that the party’s Kano chapter would not accept any attempt to alter the outcome of the primary election.

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According to them, Kano occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s political landscape, making it imperative for the party to respect the wishes of its members in the state.

They argued that beyond the primary election victory, Khalil possesses the political and social capital required to strengthen the ADC’s fortunes in Kano and across the North-West region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party leaders noted that Khalil enjoys widespread support among grassroots communities, youths, women and religious groups, describing him as one of the party’s most visible and committed figures in Kano State.

They further credited him with contributing significantly to the growth and survival of the ADC in Kano during difficult periods, adding that his years of loyalty and service to the party earned him the confidence of members.

The stakeholders also expressed concern over what they described as attempts by certain national actors to interfere in the affairs of the Kano chapter.

Without mincing words, they alleged that efforts had been made to influence the conduct and outcome of the governorship primary, a development they said runs contrary to the provisions of the party’s constitution.

According to them, the ADC constitution clearly defines the responsibilities of party organs and officials, insisting that no individual or group has the authority to override the decisions reached by members through a duly conducted primary election.

The stakeholders warned that actions capable of undermining internal democracy could create unnecessary divisions within the party and weaken preparations for the 2027 elections.

Drawing parallels with Kano’s political history, they argued that electoral success in the state has never been determined solely by financial strength, citing past elections in which candidates with strong grassroots support emerged victorious against better-funded opponents.

They therefore called on the national leadership of the ADC to respect the outcome of the Kano governorship primary and allow the state chapter to continue its mobilisation efforts ahead of the next election cycle.

The stakeholders reiterated their commitment to the party and its growth, but stressed that the mandate given to Ibrahim Khalil by ADC members in Kano must be protected and respected.

The position was jointly endorsed by former Kano ADC Chairman, Alhaji Musa Shu’aibu Ungogo, party elder Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Mabo, and the party’s Administrative Secretary, Dr. Bala M. I. Takai, on behalf of members of the Expanded State Interim Leadership Team and stakeholders of the party across Kano State.