The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has confirmed ongoing discussions with former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The development has intensified speculation over cracks within the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the future of the influential Kwankwasiyya Movement.
The disclosure comes amid growing discontent among Kwankwaso’s supporters in Kano following the replacement of several candidates initially nominated by the Kwankwasiyya bloc under an internal power-sharing arrangement with the NDC.
Confirming the development, PRP officials said the party was engaging Kwankwaso as part of broader consultations aimed at strengthening opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are in talks with Kwankwaso,” party officials reportedly said, although they declined to provide further details on the nature of the discussions.
The talks have sparked fresh debate over the stability of the alliance between the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya movement, which many political observers viewed as a major boost to the party’s influence in Kano and across the North-West.
The crisis reportedly stems from a decision by the NDC leadership in Kano to revise nominations for several federal and state legislative positions.
Party leaders said the changes were necessary to implement an agreed 60-40 sharing formula between the Kwankwasiyya bloc and the party’s original structure.
A document signed by the Kano State NDC Chairman, Hussaini Isah Mairiga, stated that the adjustments were made to ensure compliance with the agreement, which allocated 60 per cent of positions to the Kwankwasiyya movement and 40 per cent to existing party stakeholders.
The review affected nominations across key constituencies, including Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Kano Municipal, Doguwa/Tudun Wada, Dawakin Tofa/Rimin Gado/Tofa, Sumaila/Takai and Gwale, as well as several State House of Assembly seats.
However, sources within the party said the decision had angered many supporters of Kwankwaso, who viewed the removal of some candidates as an attempt to weaken the movement’s political influence within the NDC.
Political analysts say the unfolding dispute could shape opposition politics ahead of 2027, especially in Kano, where Kwankwaso remains one of the most influential political figures.
At press time, neither Kwankwaso nor the national leadership of the NDC had publicly commented on the reported disagreement or the ongoing talks with the PRP.
