A leadership crisis is emerging within the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, as the party’s state chairman, Usaini Isa Mai Riga, has firmly rejected any attempt to transfer control of the party structure to former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The dispute follows Kwankwaso’s recent alignment with the NDC, a development that has intensified internal tensions over leadership authority and the future direction of the party in Kano. His entry into the party has reportedly sparked disagreements among members, particularly regarding the control of established structures at the state level.
Speaking in an interview reported by Daily Post, Mai Riga disclosed that efforts to reach a mutual understanding with Kwankwaso prior to his integration into the party were unsuccessful. He explained that two separate meetings were convened to address leadership concerns, but both ended without any agreement.
Mai Riga emphasized that demands for a complete takeover of the party’s structure were unacceptable. He noted that the current leadership had invested considerable effort in building and strengthening the party in Kano State, and therefore would not relinquish control without due process.
He further stressed that the leadership would resist any attempt to sideline or displace them, insisting that internal democracy must be upheld. According to him, no individual should override the collective contributions of party members who have worked to establish the party’s presence in the state.
The chairman also revealed that a planned state congress was suspended on the directive of the party’s national leadership. He pointed out that the suspension coincided with Kwankwaso’s entry into the party, even though similar congresses were allowed to proceed in other states. This, he warned, could undermine the rights and expectations of party members in Kano.
Mai Riga added that Kwankwaso has not formally engaged with the state executive committee since joining the party, despite being in Kano and holding consultations with political associates.
Political analysts suggest that the situation reflects broader challenges within opposition parties, particularly in balancing the integration of influential political figures with the preservation of existing party structures. Efforts to obtain comments from Kwankwaso or his representatives were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Source: Daily Post