Fresh cracks have emerged within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following reports that former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is considering leaving the party over the controversial replacement of several candidates nominated by the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano State.
The dispute reportedly stems from a decision by the party’s leadership in Kano to alter the list of candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya bloc, a move aimed at implementing a previously agreed power-sharing arrangement between the faction and the party’s established structure in the state.
According to reports, the changes were endorsed by the Kano State chapter of the NDC to ensure equitable distribution of political positions among stakeholders following the recent alliance between the party and the Kwankwasiyya movement.
A document reportedly signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, explained that the adjustments were made in line with an agreement that allocates 60 per cent of elective positions and party offices to the Kwankwasiyya bloc, while the remaining 40 per cent is reserved for members of the party’s original structure in Kano.
The document, which was reportedly copied to key party figures including Senator Seriake Dickson, Kwankwaso and the NDC North-West Zonal Chairman, stated that the exercise was necessary to preserve internal balance and maintain the terms of the political understanding reached by both groups.
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Under the revised list released by the party, Barrister Isma’il Idris Sani was approved as the candidate for Kumbotso Federal Constituency, while Nasiru Ali Ahmed emerged for Nassarawa.
Kabiru Ishaq Sa’id was listed 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 changes affecting candidates contesting seats in the Kano State House of Assembly, particularly in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.
The development has reportedly generated unease among members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, many of whom are said to be dissatisfied with the replacement of candidates initially put forward by their faction. Party insiders fear the disagreement could widen existing fault lines within the coalition if not swiftly resolved.
The controversy comes barely days after NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, formally unveiled Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 general election, a move widely interpreted as a significant opposition alliance designed to strengthen the party’s chances at the national level.
Political analysts say the dispute represents the first major test of the partnership between Obi and Kwankwaso, as both camps seek to harmonise interests and accommodate competing political structures ahead of the elections.
Observers also warn that prolonged disagreements over candidate nominations and power-sharing arrangements could undermine party cohesion and weaken efforts to present a united front against rival political parties.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Kwankwaso nor the national leadership of the NDC had issued an official statement addressing the reports that the former governor was considering exiting the party over the latest developments in Kano.