NDC

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has named Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso as its deputy governorship candidate for Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

His emergence was announced after a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Miller Road residence of the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano.

Mustapha, son of the former governor, will serve as the running mate to Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, who was earlier selected by the party as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The development comes amid ongoing consultations within the party as it intensifies preparations for the next electoral cycle in Kano State.

Before his nomination, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso served as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports.

The NDC is expected to formally unveil its campaign structure and begin wider consultations with party stakeholders across the state as part of efforts to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has rejected claims of internal divisions within the party, insisting that the political movement remains united and focused on its objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dickson stated this during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he responded to questions about developments within the party.

The former Bayelsa State governor said the NDC continues to enjoy the support and confidence of prominent political figures, including former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to him: “There is no crisis in the NDC whatsoever. We have been able to enjoy the confidence of my colleagues, former governors like me, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

“These are very distinguished Nigerian political leaders, and we brought the two of them to the platform. They came to our platform, and there are people with whom I have been working for some time. So, it is a recent development that we are now in this kind of convergence in the NDC.

“A lot of Nigerians believe in us, and I want to begin by thanking Nigerians for their trust and confidence.

“We have seen it in the number of people who have shown interest in contesting on our platform, which is part of what we are talking about. It is not a crisis.”

Dickson argued that the increasing number of aspirants seeking elective positions under the party’s platform should be viewed as a sign of growing acceptance rather than evidence of internal conflict.

He maintained that the NDC remains committed to strengthening its structure and preparing for future electoral contests, noting that public support for the party continues to expand across the country.

By Uzair Adam 

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has responded to recent remarks by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying the former Kano governor was also once under his political mentorship.

Ganduje, who is currently in Saudi Arabia performing the Hajj pilgrimage, made the response in a statement released on Friday through his Chief of Staff, Comrade Muhammad Garba.

The statement followed comments credited to Kwankwaso in which he reportedly said, “Even Ganduje was once my boy.”

Reacting to the remark, Ganduje said politics thrives on mentorship, sacrifice, support and long-standing relationships, noting that no politician attains prominence without assistance from others along the way.

According to the statement, Ganduje recalled playing a significant role in Kwankwaso’s early political journey, especially during the National Assembly election that led to his emergence as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“At that period, Ganduje could comfortably have described Kwankwaso as his political boy, considering the moral and financial support he offered him,” the statement read.

The former APC chairman further recalled that during his time as a senior civil servant in the Federal Capital Territory and later as Kano State Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Kwankwaso frequently visited him in both Abuja and Kano.

Ganduje said reviving “boy-master” narratives in present-day politics was unnecessary at a time citizens expect leaders to focus on governance, peace and development.

He also revisited the 1998 Kano governorship primaries, claiming that many party stakeholders believed he won the contest but that senior political figures persuaded him to accept the deputy governorship position alongside Kwankwaso in the interest of party unity.

Despite their political disagreements over the years, Ganduje noted that he and Kwankwaso worked together successfully as governor and deputy governor between 1999 and 2003, and again from 2011 to 2015.

He added that political relationships naturally evolve, citing the example of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who once served as Kwankwaso’s Personal Assistant but later rose to become governor of the state.

“Politics should not be reduced to who is superior to the other. A father can nurture a child who eventually surpasses him in influence and status,” Ganduje stated.

He urged political leaders and supporters in Kano State to avoid divisive comments and instead concentrate on promoting unity, peace and development across the state.

By Uzair Adam

Abdulaziz Umar Ganduje, son of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency in Kano State under the New Democratic Coalition (NDC).

The Daily Reality reports that Abdulaziz’s decision to obtain the NDC nomination form marks a significant political shift from the Ganduje family’s long-standing ties with the APC and signals his alignment with the political movement of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

A video circulating on social media showed Abdulaziz speaking about his political ambition and his engagement with Kwankwaso, further fueling speculations about his growing involvement in the Kwankwasiyya political camp.

The NDC, which was recently adopted by Kwankwaso following his reported exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has continued to gain momentum across Kano State with increasing support from political actors and grassroots mobilisers.

Political observers believe Abdulaziz’s entry into the race could intensify competition in the constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially with expectations of a keen contest between the NDC and the ruling APC.

Analysts also say the development may further reshape political alliances in Kano and deepen the rivalry between the Kwankwasiyya movement and the APC structure in the state.

By Uzair Adam

The member representing Gwale Constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mai Rigar Fata, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mai Rigar Fata represents Gwale Local Government Area, the hometown of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The lawmaker was officially received into the NDC on Thursday by former Kano State governor and party leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his residence in Maitama, Abuja.

Kwankwaso described the defection as a major boost for the party’s grassroots structure in Kano State, saying the new entrants would strengthen the NDC ahead of future political activities.

Mai Rigar Fata was first elected into the Assembly in 2023 under the platform of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) before later moving to the APC alongside Governor Yusuf.

His latest defection followed his failure to secure the APC ticket to contest for another term in the Assembly.

Others who also joined the NDC include former Gwale Local Government Vice Chairman, Hon. Kabiru Sani Auwal Obi, and Malam Mahadi Isa Umar.

The development came shortly after a Federal High Court ruling on Thursday which reportedly created fresh openings for political defections previously restricted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reacting to the court decision, the spokesman of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the ruling could trigger mass defections from the APC.

By Uzair Adam

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has approved the formation of a 20-member National Selection Committee to oversee the screening and final selection of aspirants ahead of its upcoming governorship and National Assembly primaries.

According to the party, the committee will be officially inaugurated on Monday, May 25, 2026, after which it is expected to immediately commence its inaugural sitting as part of preparations for the primaries.

This development was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the party’s National Secretary, Barrister Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, who said the decision reflects the party’s commitment to transparency, internal democracy, and credible candidate emergence.

The statement noted that the approval followed recommendations from the NWC and was endorsed by the party’s National Leader as preparations for the primaries intensify.

The newly constituted committee is expected to examine and review reports submitted by the National Screening Committee and take final decisions on the screening outcomes of all aspirants seeking to contest under the party’s platform.

The NDC National Chairman, Moses Zuwoghe, will chair the 20-member committee, while Barrister Enekweizu will serve as secretary.

Other members include Buba Galadima, Yunusa Tanko, Udenta Udenta, Aminu Abdulsalam, Alhaji Mohammed Bakin Zuwo, and Alhaji Shittu Mohammed, among others.

Part of the statement read that the initiative is aimed at strengthening internal democracy and ensuring a credible selection process that produces widely acceptable candidates.

It also urged aspirants, party stakeholders, and members to show patience and cooperation, noting that the timetable for the exercise is tight but structured to encourage consensus-building within the party.

The party further explained that only aspirants cleared by both the screening and selection committees will be allowed to purchase nomination forms.

In cases where consensus cannot be reached, the party said it will proceed with direct primaries scheduled for May 28 to May 30, 2026, in line with its electoral guidelines.

Reaffirming its position, the NDC said the entire process is designed to promote fairness, inclusiveness, and unity ahead of the elections.

By Uzair Adam

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a transparent system for monitoring and auditing the use of federal security funds across the country.

This position was made known by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, while reacting to the president’s recent visit to Plateau State and his remarks at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Jos.

The party stressed the need for heightened security alertness through improved coordination between military and police forces, with active participation from local and state security structures.

It also urged the president to adopt a culture of accountability by providing regular public updates on security incidents and the measures taken to address them.

Referencing the persistent security challenges in states such as Plateau, Zamfara, Benue, Niger, Kaduna and Kwara, the ADC further advised the president to engage directly with affected communities, local governments and state authorities, listen to their concerns and explore their suggestions for lasting solutions.

By Anwar Usman

Fresh political realignments rocked the House of Representatives on Thursday as five lawmakers abandoned the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party for the Nigeria Democratic Congress and the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those who switched parties were Muhammed El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

Muhammed El-Rufai defected from the APC to the NDC, a development political observers view as a strong indication of the deepening rift between his father and the ruling party.

The political realignment was contained in a statement read by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, during plenary on Thursday.
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‎Muhammed El-Rufai’s exit came months after speculations over his political future following the increasing criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration by his father, Nasir El-Rufai.
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‎The former governor, once a key ally of Tinubu and a prominent APC figure, has in recent months openly accused the ruling party of abandoning internal democracy and sidelining loyal stakeholders.
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‎Joshua Obika, representing Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kuje/Kwali Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory also joined the NDC.

In the same vein, Abdulhakeem Kamilu, representing Wudil/Garko Federal Constituency of Kano State, dumped the ADC for the NDC, citing what he described as unresolved leadership issues within the party.

In another development, two lawmakers from Kaduna State, Suleiman Richifa and Umar Ajilo, defected from the PDP to the ADC.
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‎The lawmakers linked their defection to the lingering crisis within the PDP at both the state and national levels.
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‎The latest defections came barely days after 17 lawmakers reportedly aligned with the NDC, underscoring growing efforts by opposition politicians to build a coalition capable of challenging the APC in the 2027 elections.
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‎The development further altered the political composition of the House and fuelled speculations that more defections may occur in the coming months as political consultations intensify ahead of the next election cycle.

By Uzair Adam

A former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Tuesday held a crucial meeting with the Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Hussaini Mairiga, to resolve the lingering crisis within the party.

The Daily Reality reports that Mairiga confirmed the meeting in an interview with journalists on Tuesday, explaining that it brought together key party stakeholders at the state level.

He said the engagement focused on addressing disagreements surrounding the party’s structure and leadership in Kano State.

Following the meeting, Mairiga announced that the crisis had been resolved and pledged support for Kwankwaso’s leadership.

He said, “We had a fruitful discussion with Sen. Kwankwaso and other critical stakeholders of our great party. All lingering issues have been amicably resolved in the interest of unity and progress.

“As a party, we have agreed to move forward together, and we recognise Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as our leader in Kano State.”

Mairiga further urged party members to remain calm and committed to the party’s ideals, stressing that unity would be crucial for future electoral success.

“I call on all our members to remain steadfast and work collectively for the growth of the party. This resolution marks a new beginning for the NDC in Kano,” he added.

The development followed days of tension within the Kano chapter of the party after Kwankwaso’s defection to the NDC alongside Peter Obi, a move that raised concerns over control of the party structure.

The crisis had deepened earlier after the state chairman rejected alleged moves to hand over the party’s leadership to the former governor, insisting that the existing executives would not relinquish control.

He also disclosed that initial attempts to integrate Kwankwaso into the party stalled due to disagreements over leadership arrangements, with both sides holding separate meetings that failed to produce a consensus.

Tensions escalated further amid claims that the party’s planned state congress was suspended, fuelling suspicions among some members over possible moves to restructure the party leadership in Kano.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu

In Nigerian politics, defections are no longer surprising. What is surprising now is how quickly they happen and how easily political actors move from one platform to another.

The recent defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is not just another political adjustment. It is a bold move. But bold does not always mean safe.

At first glance, the decision appears strategic. Internal crises within the ADC, legal uncertainties, and the pressure of electoral timelines make stability a priority. From that angle, shifting to a new platform may seem like a necessary step, an attempt to secure political ground ahead of a highly competitive 2027.

There is also strength in the alliance itself. The coming together of Obi and Kwankwaso brings national attention, regional balance, and an existing base of supporters. On paper, that is not just movement; it is potential consolidation.

But politics is not played on paper. It is played among the people. And this is where the real challenge begins.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress is still largely unfamiliar to many Nigerians. Beyond political circles and elite discussions, its presence at the grassroots remains limited. For a significant number of voters, especially at the lower levels, NDC is not yet a known political identity.

And in Nigerian elections, familiarity matters. Voters do not just choose candidates. They choose what they recognise. They choose what they trust. They choose what they understand. That is the gap this move must overcome.

Beyond visibility, there are emerging concerns about the platform’s stability. Reports suggest that the Nigerian Democratic Congress may be grappling with internal legal disputes. If proven true, this introduces an even more delicate risk. Moving from one troubled platform to another does not resolve instability; it simply transfers it. And in politics, uncertainty is a cost few can afford at this level.

Because this is no longer just about transferring political influence, it is about building voter awareness from the ground up within a limited time frame. That is not a small task. It is one thing to move with loyalists. It is another thing to move with the electorate. And history has shown that the two do not always align.

There is also a deeper concern. Frequent political movement, no matter how strategic, raises questions of consistency. When platforms change too often, voters begin to look beyond the movement itself and ask a more difficult question: What exactly is constant? Is it ideology? Is it vision? Or is it simply positioning?

These questions matter because today’s voter is less passive than before. There is growing awareness, scrutiny, and an expectation for clarity. So while this move may be necessary from a political standpoint, it is also risky from a public perception angle.

Because speed in politics can be a double-edged sword. Move too slowly, and you lose relevance. Move too quickly, and you lose trust. And right now, this move feels fast. Perhaps calculated. Perhaps unavoidable. But still fast.

So, is this a strategy or a survival tactic? It is arguably both. Strategy, because the timing aligns with political realities. Survival, because unstable platforms leave little room for hesitation.

From another angle, this move is not just a strategy or a matter of survival; it is a gamble. A calculated one, no doubt, but a gamble, nonetheless. It rests on the assumption that political influence can be transferred faster than voter trust can be built. And in a system where recognition often shapes voting decisions, that assumption may prove too optimistic.

But beyond both lies a more uncomfortable possibility: That this could be a leap into a platform that has yet to fully exist in the minds of the people. Because, in the end, political strength is not measured by alliances alone, but by acceptance. And acceptance cannot be transferred overnight.

So, while the move may look bold in Abuja, its real test will come far away from strategy rooms, in markets, in villages, and at the polling units. Where names are remembered, where symbols are recognised, and where unfamiliar platforms are often rejected.

And if that gap is not closed in time, what appears today as a strategy may tomorrow be seen as a miscalculation. Because in Nigerian politics, you can move ahead of the system, but you cannot move ahead of the people. And when that gap exists, even the most calculated move can quickly turn into a costly gamble.

Ultimately, this move will be judged by one metric: conversion rate. How many Obidients and Kwankwasiyya become NDC members, not just in spirit but on the ballot? If the answer is “most,” then history will call it strategy. If the answer is “some,” then it was survival. If the answer is “few,” then it was a miscalculation dressed as ambition. The voters are watching, and their silence right now is louder than any endorsement. For Obi and Kwankwaso, the real campaign did not start in Abuja. It starts the day a trader in Aba and a farmer in Gaya can point to the NDC logo and say, “That is us.”

Usman Muhammad Salihu was among the pioneer fellows of PRNigeria and writes from Jos.

muhammadu5363@gmail.com.