By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Kano
A fresh crisis is brewing in the Kano chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as the state leadership rejects moves to cede control of party structures to new entrant, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
State chairman, Usaini Isa Mai Riga, alleged that the former defence minister is seeking to take over the party’s machinery despite the sacrifices of existing members when the party had little presence in the state.
Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, recently joined the NDC alongside Peter Obi, a development that has heightened tensions within the party.
Speaking on Premier Radio Kano, Mai Riga said attempts to integrate Kwankwaso into the party had stalled, with two meetings collapsing over disagreements on leadership arrangements.
“He wants us to hand over the entire party structure to him. This will not happen,” Mai Riga said, vowing to resist any move to displace the current executives.
He further claimed that the NDC national leadership directed the suspension of the state congress in Kano to pave the way for Kwankwaso’s takeover, even as congresses proceeded in other states.
“We were instructed not to hold the congress because of plans to hand over the structure. We will not allow the rights of our members to be trampled upon,” he added.
Mai Riga also noted that Kwankwaso had yet to formally engage with the state executive committee, opting instead to channel discussions through former deputy governor, Aminu Abdussalam.
Kwankwaso, who arrived Kano on Monday, is expected to meet allies to strategise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed claims of a takeover plot. Its spokesperson, Mansur Kurugu, said the former governor’s entry into the NDC is aimed at strengthening the party.
“There is no issue. The national leadership halted the congress and it will hold soon. Nobody is taking over anything,” Kurugu said, urging the state chairman to remain calm.
