KANO, Kano State — Aminu Gwarzo, the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, has picked Mustapha Kwankwaso as his running mate for the upcoming governorship election, the party announced on Monday.
Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State and current vice presidential candidate of the NDC in the 2027 general election. The younger Kwankwaso brings with him the political weight of the Kwankwasiyya movement, a formidable political force in Kano politics that has delivered massive votes for its candidates in past elections.
Gwarzo made the announcement during a press conference held at the party’s state secretariat in Kano. He described Mustapha Kwankwaso as a capable, educated, and politically astute young leader who shares his vision for transforming Kano State’s economy, infrastructure, and social services. He expressed confidence that the ticket would resonate with voters across the state.
The NDC governorship candidate further explained that his choice of Mustapha was strategic, aimed at building a bridge between the older generation of political leaders and the youth who constitute a significant percentage of Kano’s electorate. He noted that Mustapha’s deep understanding of grassroots politics, combined with his father’s political network, would give the party a competitive edge in the election.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, who was present at the announcement, expressed his support for the ticket. The elder Kwankwaso, a political heavyweight in Kano and the North-West region, has contested for the presidency multiple times. He currently serves as the NDC’s vice presidential candidate running alongside the party’s presidential flag bearer.
Political analysts note that the selection of Mustapha Kwankwaso is a calculated move to leverage the Kwankwasiyya movement’s deep-rooted support base in Kano State. The movement, named after Rabiu Kwankwaso, has a loyal following that has historically voted en bloc for candidates endorsed by the former governor. This organisational strength could prove decisive in a state known for its high voter turnout and competitive elections.
Mustapha Kwankwaso, speaking after his nomination, pledged loyalty to the party and promised to work diligently alongside Gwarzo to address the challenges facing Kano State. He listed insecurity, unemployment, poor healthcare, and decaying educational infrastructure as priority areas that the NDC administration would tackle if elected.
The younger Kwankwaso also called on supporters of his father and the Kwankwasiyya movement to rally behind the NDC ticket. He urged them to register for their Permanent Voter Cards and come out in large numbers on election day to ensure victory for the party at all levels, from the presidency down to the state assembly.
The NDC is one of several parties seeking to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State. The state has traditionally been a battleground between the APC and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), which is also led by elements of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Observers have raised questions about the political implications of Mustapha Kwankwaso running on the NDC platform while his father serves as the party’s vice presidential candidate. Some suggest that this arrangement indicates a long-term strategy by the Kwankwaso family to build a political dynasty that will outlast the elder Kwankwaso’s career.
Reactions from other political parties in Kano have been muted, but sources indicate that both the APC and NNPP are taking the NDC’s new ticket seriously. The Kwankwasiyya movement has proven its ability to influence election outcomes in the past, and the addition of Mustapha to the NDC ticket could split votes in unpredictable ways.
As the election campaign gathers momentum, all eyes will be on Kano State, where the NDC hopes to spring a surprise. For now, the party has made its move, and the political chessboard in Nigeria’s most populous state has become even more complex.
