By Myke Uzendu
The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified efforts to resolve disputes arising from its recently concluded primary elections, holding a high-level meeting with leaders of the Kwankwasiyya Movement amid growing concerns over the conduct of the exercise in Kano State.
The party also clarified that it has not released the official results of its direct primary elections conducted across the country’s 8,809 electoral wards.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, following a meeting in Abuja on Monday night between a delegation of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, and other senior party officials.
The meeting was convened against the backdrop of disagreements between members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, led by former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and some legacy NDC officials in Kano over issues linked to the party’s primary elections.
Although party officials did not disclose details of the dispute, sources indicated that the disagreements stemmed from the nomination process, the emergence of candidates for elective positions, and the allocation of party offices between long-standing NDC members and new entrants from the Kwankwasiyya Movement.
According to the statement, the closed-door meeting focused on addressing concerns raised by both sides and strengthening unity within the party ahead of future electoral contests.
“The meeting was aimed at resolving the issues between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the legacy officials of NDC in Kano State,” the statement said.
It added that Senator Dickson and the national leadership of the party were directly involved in mediation efforts to ensure inclusiveness, fairness and participation by all members.
“Senator Dickson and the NDC leadership are mediating in the process in order to enhance inclusion and participation by every party member. The NDC leadership will not impose candidates in Kano State, and indeed across the nation, as the party cherishes the virtues of internal democracy,” the statement added.
The reconciliation initiative follows resolutions reached at the party’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where leaders acknowledged complaints arising from the primaries and approved the establishment of a National Reconciliation Committee to engage aggrieved members and stakeholders.
In recent weeks, several aspirants and political blocs within the party have expressed reservations about aspects of the primary election process, while rival camps in some states have laid claim to the emergence of candidates.
Despite the concerns, the NDC leadership has maintained that it remains committed to transparency, consultation and consensus-building, insisting that all grievances will be addressed through the party’s internal mechanisms.
The party also warned members and the public against circulating unofficial results, stressing that no formal announcement has been made regarding the outcome of the primaries.
“The NDC has not released any official results of its primary elections in any state. Hence, the public and party members are urged to disregard any such list in circulation,” the statement said.
Party officials disclosed that reports from across the country are still being reviewed and consultations are ongoing before any official declaration of candidates is made.
Sources familiar with the Kano discussions described the meeting as frank and productive, noting that participants expressed commitment to resolving differences through dialogue and strengthening party cohesion.
Political observers say the ability of the NDC leadership to manage competing interests within its growing coalition will be critical to maintaining unity as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The party has attracted several influential political figures and groups from across the country in recent months, making consensus-building and internal conflict resolution a major priority for its leadership.
