The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has moved to calm rising tensions in Kano State through a closed-door reconciliation meeting between the party and the Kwankwasiyya movement.
The intervention comes amid growing internal disputes over candidate selection, control of party structures, and allegations of exclusion within the party’s North-West bloc.
A delegation of the Kwankwasiyya movement met late on Monday with the NDC national leadership, led by its national leader, Seriake Dickson, in a bid to resolve disagreements that have threatened unity within the party ahead of future elections.
The meeting, which lasted several hours, focused on easing tensions between Kwankwasiyya-aligned members and legacy officials of the NDC in Kano State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 9, and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC said the discussions were aimed at restoring harmony and strengthening internal cohesion.
“The close door meeting was aimed at resolving the issues between the Kwankwasiya movement and the legacy officials of NDC in Kano State,” the statement read.
The party said Dickson and the leadership were actively mediating the crisis to ensure inclusion and broader participation across all party structures.
“Senator Dickson and the NDC leadership are mediating in the process in order to enhance inclusion and participation by every party member.
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“The NDC leadership will not impose candidates in Kano State, and indeed across the nation as the party cherishes the virtues of internal democracy,” it added.
The development follows weeks of tension within the party in Kano, where disputes over candidate replacement and control of structures reportedly triggered discontent among Kwankwasiyya loyalists.
Former Kano State Governor and NDC vice presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was earlier reported to have threatened to exit the party following the replacement of candidates linked to his movement.
Kwankwaso was also accused by some party officials of attempting to dominate the NDC structure in the North-West and sidelining non-Kwankwasiyya members from contesting elective positions.
The claims were made in a joint statement by the NDC North-West Vice Chairman, Mohammed Rabiu Serina, and the Kano State Chairman, Hussaini Isa Mariga, who alleged that the internal imbalance was fuelling divisions within the party.
In response to the controversy, the party leadership moved to initiate dialogue, with the latest meeting seen as a key step toward preventing further escalation.
The NDC maintained that no official results of its primaries have been released, warning members of the public to disregard any unauthorised lists in circulation.
“The NDC has not released any official results of its primary elections in any state. Hence, the public and party members are urged to disregard any such list in circulation,” the statement said.
The party reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy and pledged to continue consultations as part of efforts to stabilise its Kano structure and maintain unity ahead of future elections.