Crisis Deepens In Kano NDC Over Sharing Of Party Positions

A fresh internal crisis has erupted in the Kano State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) over the distribution of party positions between long-standing members and new entrants from the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

The dispute stems from the implementation of an earlier political arrangement reached after the entry of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his supporters into the party, which triggered negotiations on power-sharing ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Under the agreement, both blocs settled on a 60-40 sharing formula for executive positions and electoral tickets, with the Kwankwasiyya Movement allocated the larger share.

Following the deal, party executives and candidates were selected through a consensus process, which saw Kwankwaso emerge as the party’s vice-presidential candidate alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election.

However, tensions resurfaced shortly after the candidates’ list was released, as some long-standing members accused the Kwankwasiyya bloc of failing to fully honour the agreed arrangement, alleging that the allocation of tickets disproportionately favoured new entrants.

The complaints led to a review of some nominations, resulting in the reassignment of five House of Representatives seats and seven State House of Assembly tickets to candidates backed by the party’s old members.

A document signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hussaini Isah Mairiga, and addressed to the party’s national leadership confirmed the adjustments. The revised House of Representatives candidates include Barrister Isma’il Idris Sani (Kumbotso), Nasiru Ali Ahmed (Nassarawa), Kabiru Ishaq Sa’id (Kano Municipal), Barrister Dayyabu Jamilu Ibrahim (Doguwa/Tudunwada), Muhammad Hamisu Abubakar (Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa), Ibrahim Bashir Bango (Sumaila/Takai), and Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mairigar Fata (Gwale).

The party also effected changes in State House of Assembly candidates across several constituencies, including Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo, and Dawakin Kudu.

Speaking on the development, Kano NDC spokesman Ibrahim Waya said the old members had repeatedly raised concerns about their allocation but were allegedly ignored.

“You cannot enter someone’s house and begin using his belongings without permission. Even after the changes, we have not received the full 40 per cent allocation agreed upon. If our concerns had been addressed earlier, this crisis would not have happened,” he said.

Waya added that the aggrieved group could still demand additional slots, including a Senate ticket, insisting that the consensus arrangement had failed to protect the interests of original party members.

He also alleged that while the formula was being implemented in other states, Kano had become an exception.

Responding, Kwankwasiyya Movement spokesman Habibu Saleh Mohammed dismissed claims of exclusion, insisting that all stakeholders participated in the consensus process.

He expressed surprise that the issue was being raised nearly 10 days after the primaries and candidate announcements, adding that the movement was reviewing the situation before taking a formal position.