In a strongly worded press statement, top officials of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the North-West zone have clarified recent internal developments within the party and accused Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his supporters of attempting to monopolize party structures in Kano State, contrary to agreements on power-sharing and inclusiveness.
The statement, issued by Mohammed Rabiu Serina, described as NDC North-West Vice Chairman and Hussaini Isa Mariga, NDC Chairman, Kano state chapter, was aimed at setting the record straight before party supporters, stakeholders, and the general public.
According to the statement, from the inception and registration of the NDC, the National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, appointed Serina and Mariga as pro tem officers. Serina was appointed Pro Tem Vice Chairman for the North-West Zone, while Mariga was appointed Pro Tem Chairman of Kano State. These appointments were subsequently ratified at the party’s congresses and National Convention, making them substantive officers.
The two leaders said they were entrusted with building and strengthening the party’s structures in their jurisdictions and diligently discharged this responsibility until the entry of Senator Kwankwaso and his supporters. Prior to his joining, they held several discussions with him and facilitated his admission into the party. Upon his arrival, the National Leader directed them to work closely with Kwankwaso, accord him due respect, and provide necessary support and accommodation to strengthen the party.
During the state congresses, disagreements arose when Senator Kwankwaso sought to assume complete control of the party structure in Kano State. The leaders resisted this in the interest of fairness and inclusiveness.
Consequently, the National Leader invited all parties to a meeting at his residence, where an amicable resolution was reached: Senator Kwankwaso and his supporters would control 60 percent of the party structure in Kano State, while the party retained 40 percent. The National Leader further insisted that both the State Chairman and the National Vice Chairman retain their offices, an arrangement accepted by all parties.
Since then, the statement noted, they have continued to work harmoniously with Senator Kwankwaso, consulting him regularly and showing him respect in line with the National Leader’s directive. Some even adopted the Kwankwasiyya symbols as a demonstration of goodwill and unity.
However, serious concerns emerged during the nomination process. In line with party policy, nomination forms for State House of Assembly positions were issued through the State Chairman. Hussaini Isa Mariga collected the forms for Kano State and, as a mark of respect and trust, delivered them to Senator Kwankwaso with the expectation that prior agreements would be honored.
Despite repeated engagements, Senator Kwankwaso allegedly refused to allow access to nomination forms by party members outside the Kwankwasiyya group. He declined to allocate any of the forty State House of Assembly forms, twenty-four House of Representatives forms, three Senatorial forms, or the Governorship form to party members not part of his political movement.
More troubling, according to the statement, was his refusal to allocate nomination forms to the State Chairman, Serina himself, or any other party officer not affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya group. In an effort to reach a compromise, Serina personally appealed to him to release at least five State Assembly forms and seven House of Representatives forms, while leaving all Senatorial positions under his control. This request was also rejected.
The leaders subsequently formally communicated their concerns to both Senator Kwankwaso and the National Leader, outlining the frustrations of supporters who had invested their time, resources, and commitment in building the party long before Kwankwaso’s arrival.
The National Leader personally met with Senator Kwankwaso on two occasions and appealed to him to accommodate other stakeholders and work toward a mutually acceptable arrangement. The National Working Committee also deliberated extensively and dispatched a formal delegation to engage him. The goal was to ensure the party in Kano State remained inclusive and that credible aspirants with electoral value were given opportunities to contest.
The statement emphasized that no individual possesses an exclusive monopoly over political wisdom or electoral viability in Kano State. Among those recommended by the party leadership was Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed, a three-term member of the House of Representatives who joined the party not because of Senator Kwankwaso but because of his confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. He possesses both the political experience and the capacity to finance and sustain his own electoral campaign.
There are numerous other credible and electable individuals who deserve consideration, the leaders added. Senator Kwankwaso’s refusal has also affected prominent figures interested in contesting Senatorial positions, including Senator Kabiru Gaya, a former Governor and four-term Senator.
Despite repeated consultations, appeals, and interventions by the National Working Committee, Senator Kwankwaso remained unwilling to compromise. The statement said he expressed dissatisfaction with any arrangement that did not grant him total control and threatened to leave the party if his demands were not fully met. He has also reportedly stated on several occasions that he maintains loyal supporters across multiple political parties and is prepared to move elsewhere if necessary.
In light of these developments, the NDC leaders informed supporters and the public that Senator Kwankwaso does not appear committed to building the party on the basis of inclusiveness, consultation, and collective ownership. Their own commitment remains focused on working with the National Leadership and party members across Nigeria to build a credible alternative political platform.
“We are not members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, and we cannot accept a situation in which membership of a particular political group becomes the sole criterion for participation, recognition, or eligibility for elective office within our party,” the statement declared. “Such an approach undermines democratic principles, discourages inclusion, and threatens the unity and growth of the party.”
Addressing recent allegations regarding financial contributions, the leaders clarified that the decision requiring aspirants to make payments directly into the party’s official account was a collective party decision and not the initiative of any individual. They stated that at no time have they approached Senator Kwankwaso for financial support. Prior to his joining, they independently funded party activities in Kano State and have continued to do so.
For the avoidance of doubt, their records indicate that Senator Kwankwaso has not made any financial contribution to the party structure in Kano State or at the national level. The only formal request made by the National Working Committee was for contributions toward the Presidential Campaign Council, a standard party practice applicable to both the presidential candidate and running mate, who would also be signatories to the campaign structure. Beyond this, no financial demands have been made of Senator Kwankwaso at either the state or national level.
Rather than strengthening the platform that welcomed him and his supporters, Senator Kwankwaso has, in their view, engaged in actions and statements that have undermined the unity, stability, and growth of the party. They therefore considered it necessary to bring these developments to the attention of the National Leader, the party leadership, their supporters, and the Nigerian public.
In conclusion, the statement reaffirmed that the party belongs to all its members and not to any individual or political movement. The NDC remains open to all Nigerians who genuinely desire to contest elections and contribute to the development of a viable political alternative. The leaders remain willing to work with Senator Kwankwaso in accordance with the directives of the National Leadership, provided such cooperation is based on mutual respect, inclusiveness, and commitment to the growth of the party.
The joint statement was signed by:
Mohammed Rabiu Serina
NDC North-West Vice Chairman
Hussaini Isa Mariga
NDC Kano Chairman