Kwankwaso threatened to quit party claims dismissed by NDC, which says reports of a rift over Kano candidate selection are false

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports that its vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, threatened to leave the party over disagreements relating to candidate selection in Kano State.

Also read: Kwankwaso reportedly threatens exit over NDC crisis

The denial was issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, during an interview on Arise News on Saturday night.

Director described the reports as unfounded speculation designed 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 comments followed reports suggesting that Kwankwaso was dissatisfied with recent changes made to the party’s candidate list in Kano State and could reconsider his future within the NDC.

The controversy emerged after the party reportedly replaced some nominees initially submitted by the Kwankwasiyya movement, the political bloc loyal to the former Kano State governor.

According to a document reportedly signed by the NDC Chairman in Kano State, Hussaini Mairiga, the adjustments were made to preserve a pre-existing power-sharing arrangement between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the party’s established structure in the state.

Under the arrangement, the Kwankwasiyya movement was allocated 60 per cent of party positions and elective tickets, while the existing NDC structure retained 40 per cent.

The development fuelled speculation that Kwankwaso could become unhappy with the process if members of his political camp were excluded from key positions.

However, Director insisted that the reports were inaccurate and were being promoted by political opponents seeking to weaken public confidence in the party.

According to him, disagreements over nominations are common in political organisations, especially those undergoing rapid expansion ahead of a major election cycle.

“Apart from media speculation and those who do not want us to succeed, there were instances in a particular constituency in Delta State where an incumbent allegedly supported five or six aspirants to run against Collins Edema,” he said.

The NDC, established in 2026, has positioned itself as one of the opposition parties preparing for the 2027 general elections.

The party’s presidential ticket, pairing Peter Obi with Kwankwaso, has attracted significant attention as political parties intensify preparations for the next national polls.

Despite recent speculation, party leaders maintain that consultations are continuing and that internal concerns are being addressed through dialogue.

Director said the NDC remains focused on strengthening its structures, reconciling differing interests and building a united platform ahead of the elections.

“There are challenges, but they are normal in party-building. We remain committed to resolving issues through dialogue and moving forward together,” he said.

Also read: Kwankwaso will affect Obi’s presidential bid, says Ayodele

The party’s latest clarification comes amid increasing political activity and coalition-building efforts as stakeholders position themselves for what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2027 electoral cycle.