NDC replaces Kwankwasiyya-nominated candidates in Kano over alleged breach of power sharing agreement 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has replaced some candidates earlier submitted by the Kwankwasiyya faction in Kano State, citing the need to implement a power-sharing agreement reached between both groups ahead of the elections.

According to a document signed by the Kano State Chairman of the party, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga, and obtained by Siyasarmu TV, the changes were made to reflect an earlier agreement on the distribution of party positions and elective tickets between the NDC structure and the Kwankwasiyya bloc.

The document was reportedly copied to the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the NDC North-West Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Rabi’u Sabo Bakinzuwo.

Under the revised list, the party approved Barrister Isma’il Idris Sani for Kumbotso Federal Constituency, Nasiru Ali Ahmed for Nassarawa, Kabiru Ishaq Sa’id for Kano Municipal, Barrister Dayyabu Jamilu Ibrahim for Doguwa/Tudun Wada, Muhammad Hamisu Abubakar for Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa, Ibrahim Bashir Bango for Sumaila/Takai, and Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mairigar Fata for Gwale Federal Constituency.

The party also announced adjustments to its State House of Assembly tickets in Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.

Explaining the decision, NDC said there was a standing agreement with the Kwankwasiyya faction that elective positions and party offices would be shared on a 60-40 basis, with the Kwankwasiyya bloc receiving 60 per cent and the party structure retaining 40 per cent.

The report claimed that members of the NDC leadership believed the arrangement did not reflect in the allocation of tickets, a development that reportedly triggered disagreements within the party.

Speaking on the issue, the party’s spokesperson, Comrade Ibrahim Waya, said the changes were made to protect the agreed formula and prevent internal disputes.

“There was an understanding on the 60-40 sharing formula between the party leadership and Senator Kwankwaso. The action was taken urgently to avoid crisis within the party,” Waya said.

The development is expected to heighten political tensions within the emerging alliance as both sides continue negotiations over the distribution of positions ahead of the polls.