NDC Denies Kwankwaso Exit Rumours

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports claiming its vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, threatened to leave the party over disputes linked to candidate selection in Kano State.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the allegations as “conjectures and media speculations” aimed at creating the impression of internal crisis within the party.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Saturday night, Director insisted that Kwankwaso had never considered exiting the party. He said the reports were being spread by political opponents seeking to weaken the party’s image.

“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 follow reports suggesting tension within the party after adjustments were made to its candidate list in Kano State. The changes reportedly involved the replacement of some nominees earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political bloc aligned with the former Kano governor.

According to a document attributed to the NDC leadership in Kano State, the changes were intended to maintain a power-sharing arrangement between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the party’s existing structure. The agreement reportedly allocated 60 per cent of positions and tickets to the Kwankwasiyya group, while the remaining 40 per cent went to the party’s established structure.

The situation sparked speculation that Kwankwaso might reconsider his position if members of his political camp were sidelined. However, party officials maintained that no such threat was made and insisted that internal discussions were ongoing to address concerns.

Director added that disagreements over nominations were normal in political parties, especially in a coalition preparing for major elections. He pointed to similar internal disputes in other states, stressing that such issues do not indicate a breakdown.

The NDC, founded in 2026, continues to position itself ahead of the 2027 general elections. Its presidential ticket pairing Peter Obi with Rabiu Kwankwaso has drawn significant public attention as the party builds its national structure.

Party officials say efforts are focused on reconciliation and unity. Director said, “There are challenges, but they are normal in party-building. We remain committed to resolving issues through dialogue and moving forward together.”

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