The Kwankwasiyya Movement has clarified the alleged threat by its principal, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to quit the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

A statement by its spokesman, Habibu Mohammed, said Kwankwaso has never threatened to leave the party over the replacement of candidates.

The group described the speculation as mere rumours.

“Kwankwaso never threatened to leave the NDC. Neither the Kwankwasiyya Movement not its leader is complaining,” the statement said.

It was reported that the Kwankwasiyya Movement would exit the party if loyalists earlier nominated by the bloc were replaced.

It will be recalled that the speculation came following the substitution of several candidates submitted by the group, with allegations that the move breached an earlier power-sharing arrangement, just as Mohammed said the claims were baseless.

The group’s mouthpiece pointed out that the party primaries were conducted on May 29 in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, noting that the winners were affirmed the same day.

According to him, the NDC stakeholders and members had earlier agreed on a consensus model where necessary, adopted candidates accordingly, and submitted the list without internal squabbles.

He added that Kwankwaso had not communicated any grievance with the party to the movement.