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

2027: Rufai Oseni Alleges Plot to Stop Peter Obi From Contesting Election

Popular Arise Television broadcaster Rufai Oseni has raised concerns over what he described as a coordinated political effort to prevent former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from contesting the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an episode of The Morning Show on Arise TV, Oseni alleged that political actors across major parties are increasingly viewing Obi as a key obstacle to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, leading to strategic efforts aimed at limiting his political pathway.

He claimed that internal political analyses within several parties suggest Obi remains one of the few opposition figures with strong national appeal capable of mounting a serious challenge in 2027. According to him, this has triggered what he described as efforts to ensure Obi is either weakened politically or kept off the ballot.

Oseni argued that political mapping exercises carried out by major parties—including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition platforms such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—consistently identify Obi as a major electoral threat due to his 2023 presidential performance and growing support base.

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He further suggested that ongoing opposition realignments, including the emergence of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a new political platform, are being shaped by attempts to either accommodate or restrict Obi’s influence ahead of the next election cycle.

According to him, internal crises witnessed in some opposition structures were not accidental but part of broader political manoeuvring designed to weaken potential platforms that could be used by Obi and his allies.

“The idea here is Peter Obi not being on the ballot. That’s the problem. All the forces will do everything to ensure Obi doesn’t get on the ballot,” Oseni said during the broadcast, adding that legal and political challenges could be used to frustrate new party formations.

He also warned that the emerging NDC could face litigation battles, registration disputes, and internal sabotage as political tensions intensify ahead of 2027.

Oseni maintained that his comments were based on political analysis and consultations with individuals familiar with electoral strategy, insisting that Obi remains the most significant opposition figure capable of influencing the outcome of the next presidential election.

In his words, “The only person that can give President Tinubu some push in this election is Obi. The first strategy is to ensure Obi doesn’t get on the ballot.”

Meanwhile, political realignments continue to shape the opposition landscape, with reports indicating that Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have been linked to the emerging Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside other political stakeholders.

Party officials were said to have welcomed key figures at the NDC national headquarters in Abuja, signalling early moves to consolidate a new political structure ahead of 2027.

Peter Obi has not issued a direct response to the latest claims, but has consistently maintained that his political agenda is focused on governance reforms, economic recovery, and building a more accountable political system.

As the 2027 election cycle approaches, analysts say Nigeria’s political space is becoming increasingly competitive, with coalition building, party restructuring, and legal disputes expected to dominate the coming months.

2027: Rufai Oseni Alleges Plot to Stop Peter Obi From Contesting Election