Crisis Rocks NDC in Kano as Leadership Opposes Kwankwaso Takeover

A fresh political dispute has erupted within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, following strong resistance by the party’s state leadership to alleged plans to transfer control of its structure to former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The Kano State chairman of the party, Usaini Isa Mai Riga, disclosed that negotiations aimed at integrating Kwankwaso into the party had collapsed after two meetings failed to resolve disagreements over leadership control.

According to Mai Riga, the talks broke down over what he described as Kwankwaso’s insistence on taking full control of the party structure in the state—a demand he said was unacceptable to existing members who built the party from the ground up.

“He wants us to hand over the entire party to him, despite the sacrifices we made when the party had little or no presence,” the chairman said, stressing that the current leadership would not relinquish control.

He maintained that the state executives would resist any attempt to displace them, adding that they are prepared to explore all lawful means to protect their positions and preserve internal party democracy.

“This will not happen. We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that the party structure is not hijacked,” he added.

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Mai Riga also alleged that the party’s national leadership intervened by suspending a planned state congress in Kano shortly after Kwankwaso’s entry into the NDC. He claimed the move was designed to create room for a possible restructuring of the party in favour of the former governor.

“We were instructed not to hold the congress because of plans to hand over the structure. That is why I am not at the venue today. We will not allow the rights of our members to be trampled upon,” he said.

The dispute marks the first open pushback from the Kano chapter of the party since Kwankwaso—leader of the influential Kwankwasiyya movement—joined the NDC, a development that had initially been seen as a major boost to the party’s northern strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources within the party say the standoff reflects broader internal tensions as the NDC attempts to accommodate high-profile defectors while balancing the interests of existing stakeholders. While Kwankwaso brings a strong political base and grassroots following, especially in Kano, his entry appears to have unsettled established party structures.

Kwankwaso was reported to have arrived in Kano on Monday for consultations with allies on party strategy and structure ahead of 2027. However, Mai Riga noted that the former governor had yet to formally engage with the state leadership, further complicating reconciliation efforts.

Political observers warn that the crisis could weaken the NDC’s cohesion in Kano if not quickly resolved, particularly given the state’s strategic importance in national elections.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain a response from Kwankwaso or his aides were unsuccessful, leaving the party’s next move uncertain as internal negotiations continue.

Crisis Rocks NDC in Kano as Leadership Opposes Kwankwaso Takeover

Rivers 2027: Wike’s Endorsement of George Kelly Sparks Political Tension

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has officially backed Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly as his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election 2027, a move already reshaping the state’s political landscape.

The endorsement places George Kelly, a former Commissioner for Works in Rivers State, at the centre of early succession politics, with strong indications that he may contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The development reflects shifting alliances and signals a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 elections.

George Kelly is widely regarded as a seasoned technocrat, having overseen key infrastructure projects during Wike’s tenure as governor. His emergence is seen as a blend of administrative experience and political loyalty, qualities that insiders say influenced Wike’s decision.

Sources revealed that the endorsement followed a closed-door strategy meeting held in Port Harcourt, where key stakeholders gathered to map out the political future of the state. The meeting reportedly drew influential figures, including Asari Dokubo and Ateke Tom, highlighting efforts to secure grassroots and regional support for the project.

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The move is widely interpreted as a calculated strategy by Wike to maintain political influence in Rivers State while operating from Abuja. Known for his strong grip on the state’s political structure, Wike’s endorsement is expected to significantly boost George Kelly’s prospects.

For George Kelly, this represents a second shot at the governorship after finishing as runner-up in the 2022 primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he lost to the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara. His longstanding relationship with Wike and familiarity with the political machinery position him as a formidable contender.

The development is also likely to intensify political tensions in the state, particularly amid the ongoing rivalry between Wike and Governor Fubara. Analysts believe the endorsement could trigger fresh alignments across party lines, setting the stage for a highly competitive and closely watched election.

With the 2027 race gradually taking shape, the spotlight now shifts to how other aspirants, political parties, and voters in Rivers State will respond to this early but significant move.

Rivers 2027: Wike’s Endorsement of George Kelly Sparks Political Tension

Obi, Kwankwaso’s NDC Move Under Threat as Ardo Heads to Court

Fresh political uncertainty is unfolding within Nigeria’s opposition landscape as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso confront a new challenge in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following a legal threat from Umar Ardo, promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

The development comes just days after both political heavyweights formally joined the NDC, a move widely interpreted as a strategic alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ardo has vowed to challenge the registration of the NDC in court, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of violating constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and its own guidelines. According to him, the NDC failed to meet key requirements, including proper application through INEC’s official portal, submission of a party constitution, manifesto, and executive membership list. He alleged that the party merely submitted a letter of intent and was never formally shortlisted before securing registration, describing the process as irregular and lacking transparency.

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Ardo contrasted the NDC’s experience with that of ADA, stating that his association fulfilled all registration requirements, paid necessary fees, and received confirmation from INEC on September 10, 2025, that it had qualified for the next stage. Despite this, ADA and 13 other associations were denied registration, prompting legal action that has remained unresolved for months. He further revealed that he invested over N200 million in the process, including setting up offices nationwide, and expressed frustration that while his case has lingered in court for over five months, the NDC reportedly secured judgment within just 32 days.

Reacting, NDC founder and former Bayelsa State governor, Seriake Dickson, dismissed Ardo’s allegations as politically motivated propaganda aimed at undermining the party’s rising influence. Dickson explained that the NDC’s registration process began as far back as 2017 but was stalled due to INEC’s ban on new political parties. He said the party resumed its application after the ban was lifted and was among 171 associations that applied for registration, noting that only two—NDC and the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)—were eventually approved.

Dickson maintained that the NDC was registered following a valid court judgment after it challenged its exclusion from the list of approved parties. According to him, INEC complied with the ruling and did not file an appeal within the stipulated timeframe, effectively closing the door to further legal disputes. He insisted that no individual or group has the legal standing to contest the party’s registration after a court order has been implemented, adding that other parties, including the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), have also benefited from court-backed registration without facing similar opposition.

The unfolding dispute carries significant implications for Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 elections. The legal uncertainty surrounding the NDC could disrupt political realignments, create internal instability, delay strategic planning, and potentially affect the ambitions of new entrants like Obi and Kwankwaso as the party navigates an early test of its legitimacy.

Obi, Kwankwaso’s NDC Move Under Threat as Ardo Heads to Court