By Monsurat Abisoye
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has replaced several candidates previously nominated by the Kwankwasiyya bloc in Kano State, in what appears to be a renewed effort to enforce a political agreement reached between both groups ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to an internal party document, the changes were approved by the Kano State Chairman of the party, Hon. Hussaini Isah Mairiga.
The revised list is said to reflect a power-sharing arrangement between the NDC structure in Kano State and the Kwankwasiyya movement, a development that could reignite discussions over the distribution of party positions as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the next election cycle.
Sources within the party disclosed that copies of the document were forwarded to the party’s national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and the NDC North-West Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Muhammadu Rabi’u Sabo Bakinzuwo.
Under the updated arrangement, Barrister Isma’il Idris Sani was approved as the party’s candidate for Kumbotso Federal Constituency, while Nasiru Ali Ahmed emerged as the candidate for Nassarawa Federal Constituency. Kabiru Ishaq Sa’id was listed for Kano Municipal Federal Constituency, while Barrister Dayyabu Jamilu Ibrahim secured the ticket for Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency.
Other candidates approved by the party include Muhammad Hamisu Abubakar for the Dawakin Tofa, Rimin Gado and Tofa Federal Constituency, Ibrahim Bashir Bango for Sumaila and Takai Federal Constituency, and Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mairigar Fata for Gwale Federal Constituency.
Beyond the federal constituency tickets, the party also made adjustments to several State House of Assembly candidacies, including those for Dala, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo and Dawakin Kudu constituencies.
Party insiders attributed the changes to an earlier understanding between the NDC leadership and the Kwankwasiyya bloc regarding the distribution of political offices and elective positions within the party.
The agreement reportedly adopted a 60-40 sharing formula, allocating 60 per cent of positions to the Kwankwasiyya faction while the existing NDC structure retained 40 per cent.
However, concerns were reportedly raised by some party leaders who argued that the initial allocation of tickets failed to adequately reflect the agreed formula, creating tensions among stakeholders.
Reacting to the development, the party’s spokesperson, Comrade Ibrahim Waya, defended the decision, stating that the leadership acted swiftly to 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 latest development is expected to shape ongoing negotiations within the party as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.