The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed claims that its vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, threatened to leave the party.
The NDC party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, described the reports as mere speculation aimed at undermining the party’s image.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News on Saturday, Director accused the ruling party and certain opposition figures of fueling the rumours for political reasons.
“At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party. Those were simply conjectures and media speculations intended to demarket the party, and we know where they are coming from,” he said.
He further alleged that some political actors were working against the party’s success, citing instances in Delta State where an incumbent politician allegedly backed multiple aspirants to contest against Collins Edema.
There had been widespread reports that the former Kano State governor was considering leaving the NDC following disputes over party candidates in Kano State.
The controversy reportedly began after the NDC replaced several candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction over an alleged violation of an existing power-sharing arrangement.
According to a document signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, the adjustments were made to reflect the agreed sharing formula between the established NDC structure and the Kwankwasiyya bloc.
BACKSTORY…
The clarification from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) comes amid growing internal tensions and public speculation within the party following recent disputes over candidate selection and alleged disagreements among key political blocs.
Reports had circulated suggesting that internal disagreements involving the Kwankwasiyya faction over the replacement of some candidates in Kano State had sparked concerns of a possible defection or protest from the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The situation was further fuelled by earlier allegations of strained relations within the party’s structure, especially after adjustments were made to reflect a power-sharing arrangement between different party interests in the state.
Party officials, however, have consistently maintained that the issues are internal and being resolved through dialogue, insisting that there is no threat of defection or division within the leadership ranks of the NDC.
