Kwankwassiya Movement Dismisses NDC Crisis Claims Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement and member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Habibu Mailemo, has dismissed claims of crisis within the party, saying the NDC is only engaged in normal political processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Naija News reports that Mailemo made this submission during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday while reacting to concerns over alleged internal disagreements, restructuring, and candidate selection within the party.

According to him, what some people have described as a crisis is routine political engagements expected in any party preparing for a major election.

“I think NDC, like any other party, is working very hard to ensure that credible candidates emerge that will lead the party into the 2027 general election,” he said.

He added that contestation, disagreements and consultations were normal features of party politics, especially during periods leading to elections.

“And I believe, like every other party, when there is contestation, naturally you are bound to hear issues here and there. But the party has mechanisms to absorb all these issues and move forward,” Mailemo said.

Mailemo insisted that the NDC remained focused on strengthening its structures and preparing for the 2027 polls, rather than being distracted by reports of internal wrangling.

He said discussions around party authority and internal arrangements should not be interpreted as a breakdown within the party.

The Kwankwasiyya spokesman maintained that the movement remained committed to party unity, discipline and internal democracy.

He noted that the movement was still studying recent pronouncements relating to party structure and internal processes but stressed that Kwankwasiyya members would continue to operate within the rules of the party.

“Kwankwasiyya is one of the most disciplined movements. Whatever party we are in, we will do all that is necessary to ensure its success,” he stated.

Speaking on allegations of disagreement over candidate selection and primaries, Mailemo said the party followed due process across the country.

He explained that primaries were held nationwide on the 29th of last month, adding that the process was preceded by consensus arrangements involving all stakeholders.

“For example, primaries were held across the nation on the 29th. Processes were followed up to the latter,” he said.

“Before that, there were consensus arrangements where nobody was excluded.”

He said candidates who emerged from the process had already had their names submitted to the party leadership in line with electoral guidelines.

Mailemo added that Kwankwasiyya members would not support any move that violated the rules of the party or the regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“The deal breaker for Kwankwasiyya has always been bending the rules. We are law-abiding people, and we stick to regulations guiding the party and INEC,” he said.

The NDC member further stated that it was difficult to separate Kwankwasiyya members from other members of the party because there was broad participation and alignment during the political process.

He said even those who recently joined the party took part in the consensus arrangements and primaries without raising objections.

According to him, the process was open and accepted by stakeholders at the time it was conducted.

“The process was transparent, and no one complained during or after the exercise,” he said.

Mailemo maintained that reports of crisis only surfaced days after the primaries had been concluded.

The reported crisis in the Kano State chapter of the NDC is said to be connected to the non-release of the party’s primary election results.