A fresh crisis may be brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following reports that former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is considering leaving the party over the replacement of candidates backed by his Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano State.
The development follows the decision of the NDC leadership in Kano to replace several candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya bloc, citing an alleged breach of a power-sharing agreement between the faction and the party’s existing structure.
According to a document signed by the Kano State Chairman of the NDC, Hussaini Isah Mairiga, the changes were made to align with an agreement on the distribution of party offices and elective positions between the two groups.
The document, which was copied to key stakeholders including Kwankwaso, NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson and the party’s North-West Zonal Chairman, stated that positions were to be shared on a 60-40 basis, with the Kwankwasiyya bloc receiving 60 per cent and the original NDC structure retaining 40 per cent.
Party officials said the revised list was intended to restore the agreed balance after concerns emerged over the initial nominations.
Under the new arrangement, fresh candidates were approved for several federal constituencies, including Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Kano Municipal, Doguwa/Tudun Wada, Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa, Sumaila/Takai and Gwale.
The party also reviewed nominations for State House of Assembly seats in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.
However, the move has reportedly generated tension within the Kwankwasiyya camp, with sources alleging that Kwankwaso is unhappy with the replacement of candidates considered loyal to his political movement.
The dispute has raised concerns about the future of the alliance between the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya movement, which was expected to strengthen the party’s political influence in Kano and across the North-West.
Neither Kwankwaso nor the NDC national leadership had officially commented on the reports at the time of filing this report.
Political observers say the outcome of the dispute could determine whether the alliance remains intact ahead of future electoral contests.
