NDC Crisis Deepens as Kwankwaso Threatens Exit Over Candidate List Shake-Up

By Tgnews Reporter

Fresh tensions have emerged within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the replacement of several candidates initially submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State, a move that has reportedly sparked threats by the faction’s leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to withdraw from the party.

The dispute centres on the implementation of a power-sharing arrangement between the existing NDC structure in Kano and the Kwankwasiyya bloc following their political alliance.

According to a document signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, the changes were made to align with an earlier agreement on the distribution of party positions and elective tickets between both groups.

The document, which was copied to NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, Kwankwasiyya leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the party’s North-West Zonal Chairman, outlined a revised list of candidates for several federal constituencies and state assembly seats.

Under the updated arrangement, the party approved Barrister Isma’il Idris Sani for Kumbotso Federal Constituency, 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 State House of Assembly tickets in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo, and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.

NDC officials explained that the revisions were necessary to uphold a standing agreement that allocated elective positions and party offices on a 60-40 basis, with the Kwankwasiyya bloc entitled to 60 per cent of positions while the original NDC structure retained 40 per cent.

However, the decision has reportedly generated discontent within the Kwankwasiyya camp, which believes some of its preferred candidates were unfairly displaced during the review process.

Sources familiar with the development indicated that Kwankwaso expressed strong reservations over the changes and warned that continued disregard for agreements reached between both sides could jeopardise the alliance.

The unfolding disagreement is seen as a major test for the party’s unity in Kano, a state regarded as one of the most politically significant battlegrounds in northern Nigeria.

Political observers say the crisis, if not resolved quickly, could weaken the NDC’s electoral prospects in the state and threaten the coalition-building efforts that brought the two political blocs together.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Kwankwaso nor the national leadership of the NDC had issued an official statement on the reported threat to leave the party.

Party stakeholders are expected to engage in further consultations in an effort to preserve the alliance and prevent a deeper internal crisis ahead of future political contests.