Malam Ibrahim Khalil, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections in Kano State, has expressed optimism that his party could emerge victorious in the 2027 polls—if three strategic conditions are fulfilled.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Wednesday, Khalil emphasized that the ADC stands a strong chance of winning both at the national and state levels if critical support structures are consolidated.
“For ADC to succeed in 2027, three things must happen,” Khalil said.
“First, the new entrants into the party must give full support to the existing leadership and structures. Second, if the complaints Nigerians are making are genuine, they should throw their weight behind this movement. And third, if the ruling APC fails to reform its internal system and continues on this path that has triggered public outcry, then without a doubt, we will defeat them,” he stated confidently.
Addressing the political landscape in Kano State, currently governed by the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Khalil highlighted internal divisions and partisan rivalry as opportunities for ADC.
“The disunity created among Kano citizens by parties like PDP, APC, and now NNPP is our opportunity,” he said. “If the people of Kano are truly ready, they must abandon any agenda that continues to divide them. ADC is not here to cause conflict or promote enmity—we are offering an alternative, people-oriented platform.”
Khalil’s comments come amid prolonged political tension surrounding the Kano Emirate, which has remained a flashpoint of state-level crisis. The ruling NNPP continues to back the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, while the opposition APC, under the influence of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, supports the deposed Emir, Aminu Ado Bayero.
This comes amid growing speculation of internal division within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as reports indicate that a faction of the party is opposed to the recent influx of opposition heavyweights into its ranks.
According to a statement issued by Isa Musa Matara, the spokesperson for the dissenting faction within the ADC, some key stakeholders were allegedly not consulted before the final decision was made to adopt the party as a common platform for opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders held a special meeting in Abuja on Wednesday and reaffirmed the ADC as their united political front for the 2027 polls. The party executives formally resigned and the national chairmanship and secretary roles handed to former senate president, David Mark and former Osun state governor, Rauf Aregbesola respectively.