A fresh political storm is brewing within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the party’s decision to replace several candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano State, a development that has reportedly sparked outrage among the camp of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
According to reports, tensions escalated after the NDC leadership in Kano announced sweeping changes to its list of candidates for various elective positions ahead of the forthcoming elections, citing the need to uphold a previously agreed power-sharing arrangement between the party’s original structure and the Kwankwasiyya bloc.
A document signed by the Kano State Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, revealed that the adjustments were made to ensure compliance with an earlier agreement that allocated 60 percent of elective positions and party offices to the Kwankwasiyya faction, while 40 percent was reserved for the existing NDC structure.
The document, which was copied to NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, Kwankwaso, and the party’s North-West Zonal leadership, indicated that several candidates initially submitted by the Kwankwasiyya bloc had been substituted to reflect what party officials described as the “true spirit” of the agreement.
Among those approved under the revised list for Federal House of Representatives seats are Barrister Isma’il Idris Sani for Kumbotso, 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 announced adjustments to State House of Assembly tickets across key constituencies, including Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo, and Dawakin Kudu, a move that has generated mixed reactions among party supporters and stakeholders.
Sources close to the Kwankwasiyya movement disclosed that the decision has been met with strong resistance from Kwankwaso’s loyalists, who argue that the substitutions undermine the understanding reached during negotiations that paved the way for the movement’s alliance with the NDC.
Political observers in Kano suggest that the dispute could threaten the fragile coalition between both groups, particularly as preparations for future electoral contests gather momentum. There are indications that Kwankwaso may reconsider his continued association with the party if what his supporters describe as “unilateral alterations” to candidates’ nominations are not reversed.
While the NDC leadership maintains that its actions were guided strictly by the agreed 60-40 sharing formula, the controversy has exposed growing cracks within the alliance and raised questions about the party’s ability to manage internal interests ahead of critical political engagements.
As both camps continue consultations behind closed doors, party members and political analysts are closely watching developments, with many warning that a breakdown in the relationship between the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya movement could significantly alter the political landscape in Kano State and beyond.