Kano crisis: NDC mulls review of primary results

The Nigeria Democratic Congress may review the outcome of its recently concluded primaries in some states, including Kano, as part of efforts to address complaints of irregularities and manage post-primary tensions within the party.

The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Abdulmumin Abdulsalam, hinted  this in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, saying the leadership was considering available options following concerns raised by aspirants and stakeholders.

His comments came after some loyalists of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were allegedly sidelined in the state’s NDC primary, amid reports that members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement were planning to dump the party.

Abdulsalam said, “We had a parley and the National Leader (Seriake Dickson) made it clear that there were a few areas where we recorded irregularities. Of course, if he finds the necessary justification to review certain results across the states, a review is possible.”

According to him, any decision to revisit the primary outcome would emerge from consultations involving all critical stakeholders and not through unilateral action by the party leadership.

“Even if the results of the primaries have to be reviewed, it will be based on mutually acceptable positions between the leadership and the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

“Don’t forget that party supremacy is very paramount in the NDC. This is a party that has been founded on the tripod of justice, fairness and fair play. Of course, there are rules of the game, which they know they are bound by before joining the party.

“The leadership of the party and the National Leader are not taking any unilateral step in carrying out a review. Of course, if there is a need for a review, it will be done collectively and with proper consultation,” Abdulsalam added.

He, however, downplayed reports of a major rift between Kwankwaso and the party’s North-West leadership, insisting that interventions by the national leadership had largely resolved the dispute.

“On the issue of the Kano crisis, where Kwankwaso is reported to be at loggerheads with the state and North-West leaders, it should be downplayed for now because the matter has been discussed and resolved at the highest level. I don’t think there is any conflict again, as it was previously perceived,” he stated.

The latest reassurance follows a marathon meeting earlier this week between Dickson and representatives of the Kwankwasiyya Movement aimed at resolving disputes within the party’s Kano chapter.

The closed-door meeting was convened after some North-West party leaders accused Kwankwaso of attempting to dominate the party structure in Kano and marginalise members outside the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

Party officials had alleged that disagreements began during the state congresses and later resurfaced during the nomination process for elective offices despite an earlier power-sharing arrangement.

The national leadership has since stepped in, insisting that it remains committed to internal democracy, inclusion and reconciliation as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.(Punch)