NDC Rejects Claims of Rift With Kwankwaso

By Babatunji Wusu| The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports claiming that its vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, threatened to quit the party over disagreements relating to candidate selection in Kano State.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the reports as unfounded and politically motivated, insisting that Kwankwaso has never considered leaving the party.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Saturday, Director said the rumours were being spread by individuals seeking to create the impression of a crisis within the opposition party.

“At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party. Those were just conjectures and media speculations trying to demarket the party, and we know where they are coming from,” he said.

The controversy followed reports suggesting that Kwankwaso was unhappy with recent changes to the party’s list of candidates in Kano State. The adjustments reportedly affected some nominees initially put forward by the Kwankwasiyya movement, the political group loyal to the former Kano State governor.

According to party officials, the changes were made to maintain an existing power-sharing arrangement between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the party’s established structure in the state. Under the agreement, the Kwankwasiyya group was allocated 60 per cent of party positions and elective tickets, while the remaining 40 per cent went to the existing party structure.

The reports sparked speculation that members of Kwankwaso’s political camp were dissatisfied with the decision. However, the party maintained that consultations were ongoing and that no threat had been issued by the former governor.

The Kwankwaso party rumours come as the NDC continues preparations for the 2027 general elections. The party’s presidential ticket, featuring Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, has attracted considerable public attention as opposition groups strengthen their campaigns ahead of the polls.

Director acknowledged that disagreements are common in political organisations but stressed that the party remains committed to dialogue, reconciliation and unity. He added that the NDC is focused on building a strong platform capable of competing effectively in the next election cycle.