NDC Resolves Kano Leadership Rift, Retains Mai Riga as Chairman

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Kano State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has resolved its internal leadership dispute, reaffirming Hon. Husaini Isah Mai Riga as the substantive chairman after days of tension triggered by recent political realignments.

The resolution was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director General, Social Media, NDC Kano State chapter, Adam Said Adam, who said the party’s national leadership intervened to restore order and unity.

According to the statement, the disagreement followed the entry of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the party, a development that had stirred concerns among some stakeholders over the control of party structures in the state.

Earlier reports show that the Kano State chairman of the NDC raised alarm over an alleged attempt to hijack the party’s structure after Kwankwaso’s defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, a move that significantly altered the political landscape ahead of future elections.

However, the party said a high-level meeting convened by its national leadership resolved the matter. The meeting, led by Seriake Henry Dickson, brought together key stakeholders, including Kwankwaso and other senior figures within the party.

“At the end of the deliberations, a resolution was reached affirming that Hon. Husaini Isah Mai Riga shall continue to serve as the Chairman of the NDC in Kano State,” the statement said.

The party noted that the outcome reflected the ability of its leadership to manage internal disagreements and maintain cohesion despite recent political developments.

It also credited Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, with playing a key role in resolving the dispute. The statement described his intervention as a demonstration of “political experience and statesmanship” in preserving unity within the party.

Mai Riga, whose position was reaffirmed, expressed appreciation to the national leadership and party stakeholders for their support during the period of uncertainty.

He also extended an apology to party members he may have offended in the course of the dispute, describing the resolution as evidence of the party’s maturity and commitment to collective progress.

The party called on members to remain united and focused, stressing that internal cohesion would be critical to its electoral prospects.