Concerns over possible defection by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have created unease within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), following disagreements linked to the handling of candidate selections after the party primaries.
The controversy centres on claims that some candidates associated with the Kwankwasiyya Movement were substituted after the primaries, a situation that some stakeholders say violated earlier understandings on inclusion and internal balance within the party structure.
Kwankwaso has also been politically associated with Labour Party figure Peter Obi in previous electoral engagements, making his reported dissatisfaction a matter of wider attention within opposition circles.
However, the Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed reports of any crisis or planned exit from the party.
Speaking on the issue, spokesperson Habibu Sale Mohammed said the claims were unfounded.
He stated: “Neither the Kwankwasiyya Movement nor its leader is complaining.”
He also clarified that the party’s primaries were conducted in line with electoral guidelines.
According to him: “Party primaries were conducted on May 29 in line with the Electoral Act and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, adding that the winners were affirmed the same day.”
He added that internal consensus processes were respected where they were applied, and candidates agreed through such arrangements were duly adopted.
Mohammed further maintained that there had been no formal grievance raised by Kwankwaso.
“As far as the movement is concerned, there is no complaint. These reports are not accurate,” he said.
Within the NDC leadership, however, differing accounts have emerged regarding the situation.
Northwest Vice Chairman Mohammed Rabiu Serina and Kano State Chairman Hussaini Isa Mariga had earlier suggested that disagreements stemmed from concerns about inclusion and adherence to internal agreements.
They also rejected claims that party activities depended financially on Kwankwaso, insisting that the NDC had been independently funded before and after his involvement.
Efforts to reach the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, were unsuccessful.
But a senior party source confirmed that meetings had been held to address the tensions.
“I am aware there were issues, and the party leadership met with the national leader of the NDC to discuss the concerns that had been raised,” the source said.
The source added that both sides had been engaged in discussions aimed at preventing escalation.
“Both sides were given the opportunity to express their positions, and efforts were made to foster peace and reconciliation,” the source said.
He further noted that compromise remained central to ongoing negotiations.
“The understanding was that all parties should be willing to make compromises where necessary, provided such actions do not threaten the unity of the party,” he added.
Despite the conflicting narratives, party insiders say discussions are ongoing, with leadership seeking to stabilise internal relations ahead of future political activities.
