A political dispute has emerged within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as senior party officials accuse former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of attempting to take control of the party’s structure in the North-West region.
The allegations were made in a joint statement signed by party officials in Kano and the North-West zone, raising concerns over internal power struggles ahead of future elections.
Party Officials Allege Structure Takeover
According to the statement, Kwankwaso and his allies are accused of sidelining non-Kwankwasiyya members from contesting elective positions under the party’s platform.
The officials claimed the development has created tension within the party’s state and regional leadership structure.
They further insisted that they were among the founding figures involved in building the party’s presence across Kano and the North-West before Kwankwaso joined the movement.
Claim of Pre-Existing Party Structure
The statement explained that the party’s foundation in the region was established before Kwankwaso’s entry, with structures already in place across various levels.
They argued that their leadership roles were formally recognised through party congresses and national conventions supervised by the party leadership.
The officials maintained that their involvement predates the current internal disagreements.
Intervention and Power-Sharing Agreement
The dispute reportedly escalated during state congresses, prompting intervention from the party’s national leadership.
According to the statement, a mediation meeting led to a power-sharing arrangement granting Kwankwaso’s faction 60 percent control of the Kano structure, while the original party leadership retained 40 percent.
Despite the agreement, tensions appear to persist within the party over control and influence.
Growing Internal Pressure Ahead of Elections
The disagreement highlights ongoing internal struggles within the NDC as political actors position themselves ahead of future elections.
Observers say such disputes could affect party cohesion and electoral strategy if not properly managed.
