Kwankwaso Considers Leaving NDC Over Party Disputes
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, has threatened to exit the opposition party amid rising tensions regarding the allocation of electoral tickets and party positions in Kano State.
Discontent Brews Within Kwankwasiya Movement
The discord reportedly surfaced after the party leadership revised the list of candidates submitted by the Kwankwasiya Movement, inciting discontent among Kwankwaso’s supporters. This decision has raised concerns about the integrity of the candidate selection process.
Power-Sharing Agreement at Stake
Officials have stated that the changes were made to uphold a previously agreed 60-40 power-sharing arrangement between the Kwankwasiya faction and the existing NDC structure in Kano State. Under this agreement, the Kwankwasiya bloc is entitled to 60% of the electoral and party positions, while the NDC retains the remaining 40%.
Controversial Adjustments in Candidate Listings
A document approved by Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isa Mailiga, detailed the modifications to the candidate lists for various federal and provincial elections, further intensifying the discord within the party. The adjustments reportedly affected crucial federal constituencies, including Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Kano Municipal, and Dogwa/Tudun Wada, among others.
Alliance Challenges Amidst Party Primaries
This turmoil follows the recent announcement of Kwankwaso as the running mate for NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi in the upcoming 2027 general elections, which was anticipated to enhance the opposition’s electoral standing. However, growing dissatisfaction regarding the NDC’s primary elections, covering issues from ticket allocations to delays in official results, has emerged.
Party Leadership Addresses Internal Strife
In a recent appearance on Ray Power FM’s Political Platform, Victor Umeh, a senior NDC leader and senator from Anambra, acknowledged the discontent within the party but emphasized that the leadership is committed to resolving these issues and reconciling grievances among members. He defended the delays in result announcements, stating that the party had adhered to the necessary electoral laws while internal discussions were ongoing.
Political Implications of Party Disunity
Political insiders suggest that the rift involving Kwankwaso poses a significant challenge to the unity of the opposition party, already beleaguered by internal conflicts arising from the primary elections. Analysts caution that a fracture in relations with the influential former governor could lead to severe political ramifications, particularly in Kano State and the broader North West region.
Future of the Obi-Kwankwaso Coalition Remains Uncertain
This situation has reignited speculation regarding the durability of the Obi-Kwankwaso alliance, given the escalating internal pressures as the 2027 elections approach. As of this report, neither Kwankwaso nor the NDC’s national leadership has officially responded to the claims surrounding the electoral ticket disputes or the former governor’s potential exit. Therefore, the validity of Kwankwaso’s reported threats remains unconfirmed. The coming days will be critical for the NDC as it seeks to address these internal issues and solidify its strategy ahead of the pivotal elections.
