Kwankwaso Threatens to Quit NDC Over Candidate Substitutions

A fresh dispute has emerged within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the replacement of several candidates submitted by the Kwankwasiyya bloc in Kano State, a move that has reportedly triggered threats by the group’s leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to quit the party.

The controversy centres on the alteration of candidate lists earlier forwarded by the Kwankwasiyya faction, with the party insisting that the changes were necessary to uphold an existing power-sharing agreement.

Details of the decision were contained in a document signed by the Kano State Chairman of the NDC, Hussaini Isah Mairiga, and circulated to key party leaders, including former Bayelsa State Governor and NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, Kwankwaso, and the party’s North-West Zonal Chairman.

According to the document, the revised list was compiled to reflect an earlier understanding reached between the party’s original structure and the Kwankwasiyya bloc on the sharing of elective positions and party offices.

The NDC maintained that the agreement provides for a 60-40 sharing formula, with the Kwankwasiyya faction allocated 60 per cent of positions and the existing party structure retaining 40 per cent.

Party officials said the substitutions became necessary after it was discovered that the earlier nominations did not fully align with the agreed arrangement.

Under the revised list, 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 made adjustments to State House of Assembly tickets in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.

Sources familiar with the development said the decision has not gone down well with leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement, who view the changes as a departure from earlier understandings reached during negotiations on the alliance.

Reports indicate that Kwankwaso has expressed dissatisfaction with the substitutions and may reconsider his continued involvement in the party if the affected candidates are not restored.

However, the NDC leadership has stood by its decision, insisting that the 60-40 formula remains binding on all stakeholders and must be respected to ensure fairness and stability within the party.

The latest disagreement is expected to test the alliance between the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya bloc as both sides seek to consolidate their political strength ahead of future electoral contests.

Observers say the dispute could trigger fresh consultations among party leaders in an effort to prevent the disagreement from escalating into a full-blown crisis.