NDC in power-sharing dispute in Kano – THISAGE

By Ayo Kehinde

A new internal crisis appears to be brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State following a dispute over the implementation of a power-sharing agreement between the existing structure of the party and the Kwankwasiyya movement led by former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The development has reportedly put pressure on the emerging alliance between Kwankwaso and the party, with reports suggesting that the former governor is unhappy with the recent changes made to candidate nominations in Kano and may consider leaving the party if the dispute remains unresolved.

The crisis erupted after the Kano State leadership of the NDC replaced several candidates previously fielded by the Kwankwasiyya bloc, a move that party officials said was aimed at enforcing an agreed formula for the distribution of elective positions and party offices.

According to a document signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hussaini Isah Mairiga, the changes were introduced to align with the understanding reached between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the original structure of the party in Kano State.

The document, which was copied to key stakeholders, including Kwankwaso, Senator Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the NDC, and the party’s North West Zone Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Rabi’u Sabo Bakinzuwo. he said both camps agreed on a 60-40 sharing formula for policy positions and party structures.

Under the agreement, the Kwankwasiyya bloc was allocated 60% of the party’s elective positions and offices, while the original NDC structure retained the remaining 40%.

Party officials familiar with the development said concerns arose after the initial nominations were submitted, with some stakeholders reportedly arguing that the list did not adequately reflect the balance agreed between the two groups.

To address the concerns, the party leadership has reportedly approved new candidates for several federal constituencies, including Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Kano Municipal, Doguwa/Tudun Wada, Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa, Sumaila/Takai and Gwale constituencies.

The review also extended to State House of Assembly tickets in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.

Confirming the development, NDC spokesperson, Comrade Ibrahim Waya, said the adjustments were necessary to preserve internal harmony in the alliance and avoid an escalation of disagreements.

“There was an understanding on the 60-40 sharing formula between the party leadership and Senator Kwankwaso. The action was taken urgently to avoid a crisis within the party,” he said.

The development, however, has reportedly generated dissatisfaction within sections of the Kwankwasiyya movement, with sources claiming that some members of the bloc are unhappy with the replacement of candidates seen as loyal to the movement.

The disagreement comes against a backdrop of intense political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections and days after NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi named Kwankwaso as his running mate.

At the time of filing this report, neither Kwankwaso nor the NDC national leadership had officially commented on the matter.