- No plan to dump party, say Kwankwasiya group
The threat by the Kwankwasiyya Movement leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, to defect from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unsettled the opposition party.
Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, and running mate to the Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had allegedly threatened to dump the platform, following the substitution of some of his followers after the primaries.
The followers complained that the substitution violated the principles of inclusion which underlied the establishment of the party.
But the Kwankwasiyya Movement dismissed reports, saying that there was no replacement of candidates.
Its spokesman, Habibu Sale Mohammed, described the reports as “mere rumours.”
According to the reports, candidates nominated by the group had been substituted in breach of the power-sharing arrangement.
Northwest NDC Vice Chairman, Mohammed Rabiu Serina, and the Kano State Chairman, Hussaini Isa Mariga said in a statement that
Kwankwaso had threatened to leave the party because the principles of inclusion and collective ownership were violated.
The duo also dismissed claims that party leaders sought financial support from the former Kano governor, insisting that party activities in the state were funded independently before and after his arrival.
However, Mohammed said the claims were baseless, adding: “Neither the Kwankwasiyya Movement nor its leader is complaining.”
He explained that party primaries were conducted on May 29 in line with the Electoral Act and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, adding that the winners were affirmed the same day.
Mohammed said NDC members had earlier agreed on a consensus mode where necessary and adopted the candidates accordingly, adding that the list was submitted without internal squabbles.
He added that Kwankwaso had not reported any grievance to the movement, stressing that NDC is in the best position to respond to the allegation.
Efforts to get reaction from the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, was unsuccessful.
However, a source close to the leadership of the NDC admitted that there were disagreements among party stakeholders, which they were trying to resolve.
The source said: “I am aware there were issues, and the party leadership met with the national leader of the NDC to discuss the concerns that had been raised.
“Both sides were given the opportunity to express their positions, and efforts were made to foster peace and reconciliation.”
He added: “The understanding was that all parties should be willing to make compromises where necessary, provided such actions do not threaten the unity of the party.
“As far as I know, there were discussions around possible disagreements, and there was indeed a suggestion at one point that some individuals might leave if their demands were not met.
“However, the emphasis remained on resolving differences amicably and preserving the party’s cohesion.
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