The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports suggesting that its presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is considering leaving the party over alleged disagreements regarding the distribution of party positions in Kano State.
The party described the claims as baseless, misleading, and politically motivated, insisting that there is no crisis within its ranks and that Kwankwaso remains committed to the party’s objectives.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Saturday night, the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said reports of an impending defection were nothing more than speculation designed to undermine the party.
According to him, neither Kwankwaso nor any key stakeholder in the party had expressed any intention to leave.
He said: “At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party. Those were just conjectures and media speculations meant to demarket the party, and we know where they are coming from.”
Director alleged that the reports were being fueled by political opponents uncomfortable with the party’s growing influence across the country.
“Beyond media speculation and those who do not want us to succeed, there were instances in a particular constituency in Delta State where an incumbent allegedly supported five or six aspirants to run against Collins Edema,” he added.
The clarification follows media reports claiming that the former Kano State governor was unhappy with recent adjustments to the party’s candidate list in Kano and had threatened to sever ties with the NDC if some of his loyalists were removed or replaced.
The controversy emerged after the party reviewed and replaced some candidates initially submitted by the Kwankwasiyya movement, Kwankwaso’s political base in Kano State, prompting speculation about tensions within the state chapter of the party.
However, leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement have consistently denied reports of a fallout, maintaining that Kwankwaso remains fully aligned with the NDC and committed to its political agenda.
Reports had also suggested that the former governor was dissatisfied with the emerging formula for sharing party positions in Kano and was considering resignation.
Despite the speculation, party insiders insist there is no breakdown in communication between the NDC leadership and the Kwankwasiyya bloc, stressing that reports of a crisis have been exaggerated.
According to a document signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, the recent adjustments were made in line with an earlier agreement on the distribution of party offices and elective tickets between the party structure and the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The party maintained that the developments do not signal internal division, adding that reconciliation mechanisms remain active and that unity within its ranks has not been compromised.