The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed reports suggesting that its presidential running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is planning to dump the party over disagreements surrounding candidate selections in Kano State.
The party described the reports as false, baseless and the handiwork of political opponents determined to create the impression of a crisis within its ranks.
Speaking on Arise News on Saturday, the National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director, insisted that Kwankwaso never threatened to leave the party at any point.
According to him, claims of a possible defection were mere speculation designed to weaken the party ahead of crucial political activities.
“At no time did our leader, Kwankwaso, threaten to leave the party. Those were just conjectures and media speculations aimed at demarketing the party, and we know where they are coming from,” Osa Director said.
He blamed individuals opposed to the party’s growing influence for spreading the rumours, insisting that the NDC remains united and focused on its objectives.
The clarification follows widespread reports that the former Kano State governor was unhappy over recent adjustments to the party’s candidate list in Kano and had allegedly threatened to quit if some of his loyalists were replaced.
The controversy emerged after the NDC reviewed and substituted several candidates initially submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction in the state, fuelling speculation of a widening rift between party leaders and supporters of the former governor.
However, party officials maintained that the changes were necessary to honour an earlier power-sharing agreement reached between the NDC structure in Kano State and the Kwankwasiyya bloc.
A document signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, explained that the adjustments were made to reflect the agreed distribution of party positions and elective tickets between both groups.
The party stressed that the decision was based strictly on internal arrangements and should not be interpreted as an attack on Kwankwaso or any faction within the NDC.
With the latest rebuttal from its leadership, the NDC has moved to calm tensions and dispel fears of internal division, insisting that Kwankwaso remains fully committed to the party despite recent controversies over candidate nominations in Kano State.
