The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports suggesting that its vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, threatened to quit the Party over disagreements surrounding candidate selection in Kano State.
Describing the claims as false and politically motivated, the Party insisted that the former Kano State Governor has never considered leaving the NDC.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Saturday night, the Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the reports were nothing more than “conjectures and media speculations” aimed at weakening the Party.
“At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the Party. Those were just conjectures and media speculations trying to demarket the Party, and we know where they are coming from,” he said.
Director alleged that the rumours were being driven by political opponents and other interests determined to create the impression that the Party was in crisis.
The speculation followed reports that Kwankwaso was unhappy with recent changes made to the Party’s list of candidates in Kano State.
The controversy began after the NDC replaced some nominees initially submitted by the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the political bloc loyal to the former Governor.
According to a document reportedly signed by the NDC Chairman in Kano State, Hussaini Mairiga, the adjustments were made to preserve an existing power-sharing agreement between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the Party’s established structure in the State.
Under the arrangement, the Kwankwasiyya Movement was allocated 60 per cent of Party positions and elective tickets, while the existing NDC structure received 40 per cent.
The development sparked speculation that Kwankwaso could reconsider his membership of the Party if members of his political camp were sidelined.
However, Party officials maintained that no such threat had been made, adding that consultations were ongoing to address concerns arising from the candidate selection process.
Director noted that disagreements over nominations are common in political parties, particularly in a coalition preparing for a major election.
“Apart from 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 said.
Founded in 2026, the NDC has emerged as one of the opposition parties positioning itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Party’s presidential ticket, pairing former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, with Kwankwaso, has attracted significant public attention as preparations for the next election gather momentum.
Director said the Party remains focused on reconciliation and strengthening its internal structures ahead of the polls.
“There are challenges, but they are normal in party-building. We remain committed to resolving issues through dialogue and moving forward together,” he said.
