The Nigeria Democratic Congress has dismissed reports that its vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, threatened to leave the party over disagreements surrounding candidate selection in Kano State.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the claims as “conjectures and media speculations” aimed at undermining the party.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Saturday night, Director insisted that Kwankwaso had never contemplated leaving 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.
According to him, the reports were being fueled by political opponents and other interests seeking to create the impression of a crisis within the party.
His comments followed reports linking Kwankwaso to dissatisfaction over recent adjustments to the party’s candidate list in Kano State.
The controversy arose after the NDC replaced some nominees initially submitted by the Kwankwasiyya movement, the political bloc loyal to the former Kano State governor.
In a document reportedly signed by the NDC Chairman in Kano State, Hussaini Mairiga, the party said the changes were made to uphold an existing power-sharing arrangement between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the party’s established structure in the state.
Under the arrangement, the Kwankwasiyya group was reportedly allocated 60 per cent of party positions and elective tickets, while the existing NDC structure was allotted 40 per cent.
The development triggered 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 was made and that consultations were ongoing to resolve any concerns arising from the candidate selection process.
Director said disagreements over nominations were not unusual in political parties, particularly in a growing coalition preparing for a major election cycle.
“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.
The NDC, founded in 2026, has emerged as one of the opposition parties positioning itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party’s presidential ticket, which pairs former Anambra State governor Peter Obi with Kwankwaso, has attracted significant public attention as political parties intensify preparations for the next electoral cycle.
Director said the party remained focused on internal reconciliation and strengthening its 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.
