NDC in Power-Sharing Row in Kano – THISAGE

By Ayo Kehinde 

A fresh 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 arrangement between the party’s existing structure and the Kwankwasiyya movement led by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

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

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

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

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

Under the arrangement, the Kwankwasiyya bloc was allocated 60 percent of elective positions and party offices, while the original NDC structure retained the remaining 40 percent.

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

To address the concerns, the party leadership reportedly approved fresh 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 became necessary to preserve internal harmony within 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 has, however, reportedly generated dissatisfaction within sections of the Kwankwasiyya movement, with sources alleging that some members of the bloc are unhappy over the replacement of candidates considered loyal to the movement.

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The disagreement comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general election and days after the NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi named Kwankwaso as his running mate.

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