NDC defends candidate list review

…cites power-sharing deal as Kwankwaso threatens exit

By Musa Baba Adamu with agency report

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has justified the replacement of several candidates submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State, insisting the changes were necessary to uphold an existing power-sharing arrangement within the party.
The development comes amid reports that former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is considering leaving the opposition party over the controversial alterations.
According to a document circulated within the party, the adjustments were made to align with a prior agreement signed by Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, which outlined the distribution of party offices and elective tickets between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the party’s original structure.
The document, which was copied to NDC National Leader Seriake Dickson, Kwankwaso, and the party’s North-West zonal leadership, stated that positions were to be shared on a 60-40 basis, with the Kwankwasiyya faction receiving 60 percent and the existing NDC structure retaining 40 percent.
As part of the review, the party approved a revised list of candidates for several federal constituencies, including Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Kano Municipal, Doguwa/Tudun Wada, Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa, Sumaila/Takai, and Gwale. Similar adjustments were also made to House of Assembly tickets in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo, and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.
The controversy has exposed growing tensions within the NDC’s Kano chapter, with the reported threat by Kwankwaso to quit the party highlighting concerns over the management of internal agreements ahead of the 2027 general elections.