Former Kano State Governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is reportedly considering leaving the party following a dispute over candidate nominations in Kano State.
The crisis emerged after the NDC leadership replaced several candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano, citing the need to implement an existing power-sharing arrangement between the party and the political bloc.
According to a document reportedly signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hussaini Isah Mairiga, the changes were necessitated by an alleged breach of an agreement governing the allocation of party offices and elective positions between the two groups.
Under the arrangement, the Kwankwasiyya faction is entitled to 60 per cent of party positions and electoral tickets in the state, while the original NDC structure retains 40 per cent.
The document, which was copied to NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, Kwankwaso and the party's North-West Zonal Chairman, outlined a revised list of candidates for various federal constituencies.
Among those approved are Barrister Isma'il Idris Sani for Kumbotso, Nasiru Ali Ahmed for Nassarawa, Kabiru Ishaq Sa'id for Kano Municipal, Barrister Dayyabu Jamilu Ibrahim for Doguwa/Tudun Wada, Muhammad Hamisu Abubakar for Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa, Ibrahim Bashir Bango for Sumaila/Takai, and Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mairigar Fata for Gwale Federal Constituency.
The party also announced adjustments to its State House of Assembly tickets in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo and Dawakin Kudu constituencies to align with the agreed formula.
Sources familiar with the development said the candidate substitutions have generated tensions within the Kwankwasiyya camp, with reports indicating that Kwankwaso has expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the arrangement and may reconsider his continued membership of the party if the dispute remains unresolved.
The development comes barely days after NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi officially unveiled Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
The alliance between Obi and Kwankwaso, announced on May 31, was widely seen as a major political realignment ahead of the polls, bringing together two influential opposition figures with significant support bases across the country.
Political observers believe the emerging disagreement over candidate nominations in Kano could test the strength of the newly formed partnership as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Leave a Reply