NDC Dismisses Reports of Kwankwaso Exit Threat Amid Kano Dispute

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied reports that its vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, threatened to leave the party over a dispute involving the nomination of candidates in Kano State.

The clarification came amid speculation that tensions had emerged within the opposition party following changes to a list of candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya movement, a political group loyal to the former Kano governor.

Speaking on the issue in an interview with Arise Television on Saturday evening, NDC National Publicity Secretary Osa Director said reports suggesting Kwankwaso planned to dump the party were unfounded.

"At no time did our leader, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the NDC," Director said.

He described the claims as "media speculation" and alleged attempts to damage the image of the party.

The controversy followed reports that the NDC leadership in Kano adjusted some candidate nominations to enforce an earlier power-sharing arrangement between the party's existing structure and the Kwankwasiyya bloc.

Under the agreement, elective positions and party offices were to be shared on a 60-40 basis, with the Kwankwasiyya group receiving 60 percent.

According to party officials, the changes were made to reflect the terms of that agreement and not to sideline any faction within the party.

The NDC insisted that Kwankwaso remains committed to the party and its preparations for the 2027 general election.

The development comes weeks after the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, named Kwankwaso as his running mate, sealing a major opposition alliance ahead of the next presidential poll.

Kwankwaso himself recently hosted Peter Obi at his Abuja residence as both men continue their inroads into grassroot and diaspora ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party leaders have also expressed confidence that internal disagreements involving their chief flagbearers and other aggrieved members would be resolved through dialogue, maintaining that the NDC remains focused on presenting a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.