By Richard Benjamin
The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has named Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, in a move expected to strengthen the party’s support within the influential Kwankwasiyya movement.
The announcement was made on Monday during an NDC caucus meeting held at the Miller Road residence of former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, in Kano.
Confirming the development, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Habibu Mohammed, said Gwarzo formally unveiled Mustapha Kwankwaso as his deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 polls.
Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Kwankwaso, who recently emerged as the vice presidential candidate of the NDC alongside former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi. The development was also acknowledged by Saifullahi Hassan, media aide to the former governor.
Gwarzo and Mustapha both served in the administration of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf before leaving their positions amid political differences within the Kwankwasiyya movement. Gwarzo served as deputy governor, while Mustapha was Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
Following his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gwarzo joined the NDC and was subsequently named the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
Political observers say the choice of Mustapha Kwankwaso reflects the NDC’s efforts to consolidate support among Kwankwasiyya loyalists as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum.
Supporters of the ticket have described Mustapha as an experienced administrator with both public and private sector experience, while critics have questioned the growing influence of political families within the country’s electoral landscape.
The NDC is expected to unveil further details of its campaign strategy and policy agenda in the coming months as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
