NDC Resolves Kano Leadership Crisis, Reaffirms Mai Riga as Chairman After Kwankwaso Defection
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has formally resolved the lingering leadership crisis in its Kano State chapter, reaffirming Hon. Husaini Isah Mai Riga as the duly recognised chairman.
The dispute, as reported, emerged following the defection of former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, into the party, a move that unsettled the internal balance of power within the Kano structure.
Amid the tension, a faction within the party questioned Mai Riga’s authority. However, he consistently maintained that his mandate remained valid, stressing that any leadership transition must strictly follow constitutional procedures.
PulseNets learnt that the crisis drew the attention of the party’s national leadership, which swiftly intervened by convening a high-level meeting on Tuesday under the leadership of Seriake Henry Dickson.
The meeting, PulseNets reported, brought together key stakeholders, including Kwankwaso, the NDC Northwest Vice Chairman Engr. Muhammad Sabo Bakin Zuwo, and other senior party officials, in a bid to broker peace and restore unity.
After extensive deliberations, PulseNets learnt that the party leadership resolved the dispute, ultimately affirming Mai Riga’s position as the substantive chairman of the Kano State chapter.
Sources who spoke to PulseNets indicated that Kwankwaso accepted the resolution, with alternative leadership arrangements reportedly offered to accommodate his influence within the party’s structure.
Reacting to the development, Mai Riga expressed gratitude to both the party leadership and the people of Kano for their support throughout the crisis.
“I appreciate the support of our leaders and the people of Kano at this critical time,” he said, adding, “I also apologise to anyone I may have offended in recent days.”
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He further disclosed that, “60 percent of the party’s leadership structure has been conceded to Kwankwaso, while I remain the chairman.”
The resolution is widely interpreted as a strategic move by the party to stabilise its internal structure, rebuild cohesion, and strengthen its positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
