On June 12, 2026, Nigeria's Democracy Day, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, convened with key party leaders to discuss the path forward. The meetings, which included NDC National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, focused on advancing the vision of a 'New Nigeria that is Possible.'
Productive Discussions on Democracy Day
Obi shared details of the productive meetings via a social media post, emphasizing the collaborative effort required to build a better Nigeria. 'Together Towards the New Nigeria That Is Possible: On this June 12, Democracy Day, I had useful meetings with my partners in the building of the New Nigeria that is Possible: our great party's National Leader, H.E. Senator Seriake Dickson, and our party's Vice Presidential candidate, H.E. Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso,' he stated.
The former Anambra State Governor highlighted that the NDC, despite being only four months old, is positioned as a future-oriented political vehicle. He stressed that achieving purposeful leadership requires sacrifices, tolerance, and unity among party members. 'The NDC, as a party that is barely four months old, despite the challenges, remains the party of the future, and the fruitful discussions at the meetings clearly underscore this fact,' Obi remarked.
Commitment to National Transformation
Obi emphasized the need for party members to be willing to make sacrifices and demonstrate tolerance and accommodation, even in difficult circumstances. He noted that this shared understanding is essential for building trust, strengthening unity, and sustaining the collective vision for national transformation. 'We are all committed to this goal. The NDC remains the vehicle that will convey Nigeria through purposeful, compassionate leadership, with firm commitment to productivity and democratic ideals towards the New Nigeria that is Possible,' he added.
Internal Party Adjustments in Kano
Meanwhile, the NDC faced internal challenges, with reports that Kwankwaso had threatened to leave the party after several candidates from his Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano were replaced. The changes were made to enforce a pre-agreed 60/40 power-sharing formula, which allocated 60% of positions to the Kwankwasiyya bloc and 40% to the existing party structure. According to a document signed by Kano State NDC Chairman Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, the adjustments were necessary to reflect the earlier agreement on the distribution of party positions and elective tickets.
The revised list for Federal Constituencies included candidates such as Barrister Isma'il Idris Sani (Kumbotso), Nasiru Ali Ahmed (Nassarawa), Kabiru Ishaq Sa'id (Kano Municipal), Barrister Dayyabu Jamilu Ibrahim (Doguwa/Tudun Wada), Muhammad Hamisu Abubakar (Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa), Ibrahim Bashir Bango (Sumaila/Takai), and Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mairigar Fata (Gwale). Adjustments were also made to Kano State House of Assembly tickets in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo, and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.
The document was copied to Senator Seriake Dickson, Kwankwaso, and the NDC North-West Zonal Chairman. Despite these internal tensions, the leadership meetings on Democracy Day underscored a commitment to unity and the shared vision of a transformed Nigeria.
