Kwankwaso Not Leaving NDC Over Candidate Substitution Rumours — Kwankwasiyya Movement

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed reports claiming its leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, threatened to dump the Nigeria Democratic Congress over alleged candidate substitutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

The movement described the claims as false and politically motivated, insisting there was no crisis between Kwankwaso and the party leadership.

Speaking in a statement, the group’s spokesperson, Habibu Mohammed, said neither Rabiu Kwankwaso nor the Kwankwasiyya bloc had raised complaints about the party’s candidate selection process.

“Kwankwaso never threatened to leave the NDC. Neither the Kwankwasiyya Movement nor its leader is complaining,” the statement said.

Speculation had emerged after reports claimed loyalists nominated by the Kwankwasiyya camp were allegedly replaced on party lists, sparking tension over an earlier power-sharing agreement within the party.

The rumours fueled suggestions that the former Kano State governor could pull his supporters out of the Nigeria Democratic Congress if the alleged substitutions were not reversed.

However, Mohammed rejected the allegations, maintaining that the party followed due process during its primaries and consensus arrangements.

According to him, the NDC conducted its primaries on May 29 in line with provisions of the Electoral Act and guidelines issued by Independent National Electoral Commission.

He explained that stakeholders within the party had already agreed to adopt consensus candidates in areas where necessary and that all candidates were affirmed without internal disputes.

Mohammed further stated that Rabiu Kwankwaso had not communicated any dissatisfaction with the party to members of the movement.

The clarification comes amid growing political realignments and heightened speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several parties already battling internal disagreements over candidate selections and power-sharing arrangements.