PRESS STATEMENT
By Mohammed Rabiu Serina NDC NorthWest Vice Chairman
I wish to clarify recent developments within our party and place the facts before our supporters, stakeholders, and the general public.
From the inception of the party and upon its registration, the National Leader, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, appointed myself Mohammed Rabiu Serina and Hussaini Isa Mariga as pro tem officers of the party. I was appointed Pro Tem Vice Chairman North-West Zone, while Hussaini Isa Mariga was appointed Pro Tem Chairman of Kano State.
These appointments were subsequently ratified at the party’s congresses and National Convention, where we became substantive officers of the party.
Following our confirmation, we were entrusted with the responsibility of building and strengthening the party’s structures across our respective jurisdictions. We diligently discharged this responsibility until the entry of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and his supporters into the party. Prior to his joining, we held several discussions with him and facilitated his admission into the party. Upon his arrival, the National Leader directed us to work closely with him, accord him due respect, and provide him with the necessary support and accommodation to strengthen the party.
During the state congresses, disagreements arose when Senator Kwankwaso sought to assume complete control of the party structure in Kano State. We resisted this move in the interest of fairness and inclusiveness.
Consequently, the National Leader invited all parties to a meeting at his residence, where an amicable resolution was reached. It was agreed that Senator Kwankwaso and his supporters would control 60 percent of the party structure in Kano State, while the party retained 40 percent. The National Leader further insisted that both the State Chairman and the National Vice Chairman retain their offices, an arrangement that was accepted by all parties.
Since then, we have continued to work harmoniously with Senator Kwankwaso, consulting him regularly and showing him respect in accordance with the directive of the National Leader. Some of us even adopted the kwankwasiyya symbols as a demonstration of goodwill and unity.
However, during the nomination process, serious concerns emerged. In line with party policy, nomination forms for State House of Assembly positions were issued through the State Chairman. Accordingly, Hussaini Isa Mariga collected the forms for Kano State and, as a mark of respect and trust, delivered them to Senator Kwankwaso with the expectation that our prior agreements would be honored.
Unfortunately, despite repeated engagements, Senator Kwankwaso refused to allow access to nomination forms by party members outside the Kwankwasiyya group. He declined to allocate any of the forty State House of Assembly forms, twenty-four House of Representatives forms, three Senatorial forms, or the Governorship form to party members who were not part of his political movement.
More troubling was his refusal to allocate nomination forms to the State Chairman, myself, or any other party officer who was not affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya group. In an effort to reach a compromise, I personally appealed to him to release at least five State Assembly forms and seven House of Representatives forms, while leaving all Senatorial positions under his control. This request was also rejected.
Subsequently, we formally communicated our concerns to both Senator Kwankwaso and the National Leader, outlining the frustrations of our supporters who had invested their time, resources, and commitment in building the party long before Senator Kwankwaso’s arrival.
The National Leader personally met with Senator Kwankwaso on two occasions and appealed to him to accommodate other stakeholders and work toward a mutually acceptable arrangement. The National Working Committee also deliberated extensively on the matter and dispatched a formal delegation to engage him. The objective was simple: to ensure that the party in Kano State remained inclusive and that credible aspirants with electoral value were given opportunities to contest.
It is our position that no individual possesses an exclusive monopoly over political wisdom or electoral viability in Kano State. Among those recommended by the party leadership were respected political figures such as Hon.
Nasiru Ali Ahmed, a three-term member of the House of Representatives who joined the party not because of Senator Kwankwaso but because of his confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. He possesses both the political experience and the capacity to finance and sustain his own electoral campaign.
There are numerous other credible and electable individuals who deserve consideration. Senator Kwankwaso’s refusal to accommodate such aspirants has also affected prominent figures interested in contesting Senatorial positions, including Senator Kabiru Gaya, a former Governor and four-term Senator.
Despite repeated consultations, appeals, and interventions by the National Working Committee, Senator Kwankwaso remained unwilling to compromise. We understand that he expressed dissatisfaction with any arrangement that did not grant him total control and threatened to leave the party if his demands were not fully met. He has also reportedly stated on several occasions that he maintains loyal supporters across multiple political parties and is prepared to move elsewhere if necessary.
In light of these developments, we consider it necessary to inform our supporters and the general public that Senator Kwankwaso does not Kwankwasiyya group. He declined to allocate any of the forty State House of Assembly forms, twenty-four House of Representatives forms, three Senatorial forms, or the Governorship form to party members who were not part of his political movement.
More troubling was his refusal to allocate nomination forms to the State Chairman, myself, or any other party officer who was not affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya group. In an effort to reach a compromise, I personally appealed to him to release at least five State Assembly forms and seven House of Representatives forms, while leaving all Senatorial positions under his control. This request was also rejected.
Subsequently, we formally communicated our concerns to both Senator Kwankwaso and the National Leader, outlining the frustrations of our supporters who had invested their time, resources, and commitment in building the party long before Senator Kwankwaso’s arrival.
The National Leader personally met with Senator Kwankwaso on two occasions and appealed to him to accommodate other stakeholders and work toward a mutually acceptable arrangement. The National Working Committee also deliberated extensively on the matter and dispatched a formal delegation to engage him. The objective was simple: to ensure that the party in Kano State remained inclusive and that credible aspirants with electoral value were given opportunities to contest.
It is our position that no individual possesses an exclusive monopoly over political wisdom or electoral viability in Kano State. Among those recommended by the party leadership were respected political figures such as Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed, a three-term member of the House of Representatives who joined the party not because of Senator Kwankwaso but because of his confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. He possesses both the political experience and the capacity to finance and sustain his own electoral campaign.
There are numerous other credible and electable individuals who deserve consideration. Senator Kwankwaso’s refusal to accommodate such aspirants has also affected prominent figures interested in contesting Senatorial positions, including Senator Kabiru Gaya, a former Governor and four-term Senator.
Despite repeated consultations, appeals, and interventions by the National Working Committee, Senator Kwankwaso remained unwilling to compromise. We understand that he expressed dissatisfaction with any arrangement that did not grant him total control and threatened to leave the party if his demands were not fully met. He has also reportedly stated on several occasions that he maintains loyal supporters across multiple political parties and is prepared to move elsewhere if necessary.
In light of these developments, we consider it necessary to inform our supporters and the general public that Senator Kwankwaso does not Kwankwasiyya group. He declined to allocate any of the forty State House of Assembly forms, twenty-four House of Representatives forms, three Senatorial forms, or the Governorship form to party members who were not part of his political movement.
More troubling was his refusal to allocate nomination forms to the State Chairman, myself, or any other party officer who was not affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya group. In an effort to reach a compromise, I personally appealed to him to release at least five State Assembly forms and seven House of Representatives forms, while leaving all Senatorial positions under his control. This request was also rejected.
Subsequently, we formally communicated our concerns to both Senator Kwankwaso and the National Leader, outlining the frustrations of our supporters who had invested their time, resources, and commitment in building the party long before Senator Kwankwaso’s arrival.
The National Leader personally met with Senator Kwankwaso on two occasions and appealed to him to accommodate other stakeholders and work toward a mutually acceptable arrangement. The National Working Committee also deliberated extensively on the matter and dispatched a formal delegation to engage him. The objective was simple: to ensure that the party in Kano State remained inclusive and that credible aspirants with electoral value were given opportunities to contest.
It is our position that no individual possesses an exclusive monopoly over political wisdom or electoral viability in Kano State. Among those recommended by the party leadership were respected political figures such as Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed, a three-term member of the House of Representatives who joined the party not because of Senator Kwankwaso but because of his confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. He possesses both the political experience and the capacity to finance and sustain his own electoral campaign.
There are numerous other credible and electable individuals who deserve consideration. Senator Kwankwaso’s refusal to accommodate such aspirants has also affected prominent figures interested in contesting Senatorial positions, including Senator Kabiru Gaya, a former Governor and four-term Senator.
Despite repeated consultations, appeals, and interventions by the National Working Committee, Senator Kwankwaso remained unwilling to compromise. We understand that he expressed dissatisfaction with any arrangement that did not grant him total control and threatened to leave the party if his demands were not fully met. He has also reportedly stated on several occasions that he maintains loyal supporters across multiple political parties and is prepared to move elsewhere if necessary.
In light of these developments, we consider it necessary to inform our supporters and the general public that Senator Kwankwaso does not Kwankwasiyya group. He declined to allocate any of the forty State House of Assembly forms, twenty-four House of Representatives forms, three Senatorial forms, or the Governorship form to party members who were not part of his political movement.
More troubling was his refusal to allocate nomination forms to the State Chairman, myself, or any other party officer who was not affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya group. In an effort to reach a compromise, I personally appealed to him to release at least five State Assembly forms and seven House of Representatives forms, while leaving all Senatorial positions under his control. This request was also rejected.
Subsequently, we formally communicated our concerns to both Senator Kwankwaso and the National Leader, outlining the frustrations of our supporters who had invested their time, resources, and commitment in building the party long before Senator Kwankwaso’s arrival.
The National Leader personally met with Senator Kwankwaso on two occasions and appealed to him to accommodate other stakeholders and work toward a mutually acceptable arrangement. The National Working Committee also deliberated extensively on the matter and dispatched a formal delegation to engage him. The objective was simple: to ensure that the party in Kano State remained inclusive and that credible aspirants with electoral value were given opportunities to contest.
It is our position that no individual possesses an exclusive monopoly over political wisdom or electoral viability in Kano State. Among those recommended by the party leadership were respected political figures such as Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed, a three-term member of the House of Representatives who joined the party not because of Senator Kwankwaso but because of his confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. He possesses both the political experience and the capacity to finance and sustain his own electoral campaign.
There are numerous other credible and electable individuals who deserve consideration. Senator Kwankwaso’s refusal to accommodate such aspirants has also affected prominent figures interested in contesting Senatorial positions, including Senator Kabiru Gaya, a former Governor and four-term Senator.
Despite repeated consultations, appeals, and interventions by the National Working Committee, Senator Kwankwaso remained unwilling to compromise. We understand that he expressed dissatisfaction with any arrangement that did not grant him total control and threatened to leave the party if his demands were not fully met. He has also reportedly stated on several occasions that he maintains loyal supporters across multiple political parties and is prepared to move elsewhere if necessary.
In light of these developments, we consider it necessary to inform our supporters and the general public that Senator Kwankwaso does not Kwankwasiyya group. He declined to allocate any of the forty State House of Assembly forms, twenty-four House of Representatives forms, three Senatorial forms, or the Governorship form to party members who were not part of his political movement.
More troubling was his refusal to allocate nomination forms to the State Chairman, myself, or any other party officer who was not affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya group. In an effort to reach a compromise, I personally appealed to him to release at least five State Assembly forms and seven House of Representatives forms, while leaving all Senatorial positions under his control. This request was also rejected.
Subsequently, we formally communicated our concerns to both Senator Kwankwaso and the National Leader, outlining the frustrations of our supporters who had invested their time, resources, and commitment in building the party long before Senator Kwankwaso’s arrival.
The National Leader personally met with Senator Kwankwaso on two occasions and appealed to him to accommodate other stakeholders and work toward a mutually acceptable arrangement. The National Working Committee also deliberated extensively on the matter and dispatched a formal delegation to engage him. The objective was simple: to ensure that the party in Kano State remained inclusive and that credible aspirants with electoral value were given opportunities to contest.
It is our position that no individual possesses an exclusive monopoly over political wisdom or electoral viability in Kano State. Among those recommended by the party leadership were respected political figures such as Hon. Nasiru Ali Ahmed, a three-term member of the House of Representatives who joined the party not because of Senator Kwankwaso but because of his confidence in the party’s leadership and vision. He possesses both the political experience and the capacity to finance and sustain his own electoral campaign.
There are numerous other credible and electable individuals who deserve consideration. Senator Kwankwaso’s refusal to accommodate such aspirants has also affected prominent figures interested in contesting Senatorial positions, including Senator Kabiru Gaya, a former Governor and four-term Senator.
Despite repeated consultations, appeals, and interventions by the National Working Committee, Senator Kwankwaso remained unwilling to compromise. We understand that he expressed dissatisfaction with any arrangement that did not grant him total control and threatened to leave the party if his demands were not fully met. He has also reportedly stated on several occasions that he maintains loyal supporters across multiple political parties and is prepared to move elsewhere if necessary.
In light of these developments, we consider it necessary to inform our supporters and the general public that Senator Kwankwaso does not appear committed to building the party on the basis of inclusiveness, consultation, and collective ownership. Our own commitment remains focused on working with the National Leadership and party members across Nigeria to build a credible alternative political platform.
We are not members of the Kwankwasiyya movement, and we cannot accept a situation in which membership of a particular political group becomes the sole criterion for participation, recognition, or eligibility for elective office within our party. Such an approach undermines democratic principles, discourages inclusion, and threatens the unity and growth of the party.
We also wish to address recent allegations regarding financial contributions. The decision requiring aspirants to make payments directly into the party’s official account was a collective party decision and not the initiative of any individual. At no time have we approached Senator Kwankwaso for financial support. Prior to his joining the party, we independently funded party activities in Kano State and have continued to do so.
For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate that Senator Kwankwaso has not made any financial contribution to the party structure in Kano State or at the national level.
The only formal request made by the National Working Committee was for contributions toward the Presidential Campaign Council, a standard party practice applicable to both the presidential candidate and running mate, who would also be signatories to the campaign structure. Beyond this, no financial demands have been made of Senator Kwankwaso at either the state or national level.
Rather than strengthening the platform that welcomed him and his supporters, Senator Kwankwaso has, in our view, engaged in actions and statements that have undermined the unity, stability, and growth of the party. We therefore consider it necessary to bring these developments to the attention of the National Leader, the party leadership, our supporters, and the Nigerian public.
In conclusion, we reaffirm that the party belongs to all its members and not to any individual or political movement. The party remains open to all Nigerians who genuinely desire to contest elections and contribute to the development of a viable political alternative. We remain willing to work with Senator Kwankwaso in accordance with the directives of the National Leadership, provided that such cooperation is based on mutual respect, inclusiveness, and commitment to the growth of the party.
Thank you
Signed:
Mohammed Rabiu Serina – NDC North-West Vice Chairman
Hussaini Isa Mariga – NDC Kano Chairman
