Crisis Rocks NDC in Kano as Leadership Opposes Kwankwaso Takeover

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