Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has reportedly threatened to withdraw from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) following the party's decision to replace several candidates from his Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State. The move was intended to enforce a previously agreed 60/40 power-sharing formula that allocated 60% of positions to Kwankwaso's bloc.
Background of the Dispute
According to a report by Dailypost, which obtained a document signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, the replacements were made due to an alleged breach of the power-sharing agreement. The document indicated that the changes were necessary to reflect the earlier arrangement on the distribution of party positions and elective tickets between the existing NDC structure and the Kwankwasiyya faction.
The document was copied to the National Leader of the opposition party, Senator Seriake Dickson, Kwankwaso, and the NDC North-West Zonal Chairman. Under the revised list, the party approved candidates for several federal constituencies, including Barrister Isma’il Idris Sani for Kumbotso, Nasiru Ali Ahmed for Nassarawa, Kabiru Ishaq Sa’id for Kano Municipal, Barrister Dayyabu Jamilu Ibrahim for Doguwa/Tudun Wada, Muhammad Hamisu Abubakar for Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa, Ibrahim Bashir Bango for Sumaila/Takai, and Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mairigar Fata for Gwale.
Adjustments to State Assembly Tickets
Adjustments were also made to the Kano State House of Assembly tickets in the constituencies of Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo, and Dawakin Kudu. The NDC stated that there was a standing agreement for elective positions and party offices to be shared on a 60-40 basis, with the Kwankwasiyya bloc receiving 60% and the original party structure retaining 40%.
Political Realignment Ahead of 2027
The NDC's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, officially named Kwankwaso as his vice presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections on May 31. This announcement confirmed a major political realignment ahead of the polls, positioning both figures as the party's presidential and vice presidential ticket for the upcoming election.
With this confirmation, Obi and Kwankwaso are expected to jointly lead the NDC's campaign into the 2027 race, bringing together two influential political blocs with strong national support bases. The development marks one of the most significant opposition alliances ahead of the election cycle, reshaping early expectations for the 2027 presidential contest.
