Leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced the emergence of Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso also disclosed that the immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has been selected to contest for the Kano Central Senatorial District seat under the same political arrangement.
The former Governor of Kano State made the announcement in a statement released on Friday through his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he explained the reasons behind the party’s decision and called for unity among members of the Kwankwasiyya movement and supporters of the NDC.
According to Kwankwaso, the emergence of the two politicians followed extensive consultations within the political structure and was guided by the principles of fairness, loyalty, competence and the need to sustain internal harmony within the movement.
He described the decision as a strategic effort aimed at consolidating the party’s strength in Kano State while positioning the NDC for victory in the 2027 elections.
“I am delighted to announce that His Excellency, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has been selected as our Kano NDC Gubernatorial Candidate for the upcoming elections,” Kwankwaso stated.
“Similarly, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna will contest for the Kano Central Senatorial Seat.”
Kwankwaso stressed that the selection process was driven by the need to reward commitment and loyalty to the Kwankwasiyya ideology while also ensuring balance within the political structure.
“This decision was made in the spirit of equity, fairness, loyalty and competence — values that remain central to our party and Kwankwasiyya’s progress and unity,” he added.
The announcement comes at a critical period as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections and begin the process of presenting candidates for key elective positions across the country.
Political observers view the development as a major move by the Kwankwasiyya movement to strengthen its political influence in Kano State, which remains one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states due to its large voting population and strategic importance in northern politics.
Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo is widely regarded as one of the prominent figures within the Kwankwasiyya political family. Over the years, he has played active roles in the political and administrative structure associated with Kwankwaso and is considered a loyal ally of the former governor.
His emergence as the NDC governorship candidate is expected to reshape the political contest in Kano State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Similarly, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who previously served as Deputy Governor of Kano State, remains a well-known political figure in the state. His selection for the Kano Central Senatorial seat is seen as part of efforts to retain experienced political actors within the movement’s structure while expanding the party’s electoral appeal.
The announcement also coincided with the party’s statutory affirmation exercise scheduled for Friday, a process aimed at formally ratifying the consensus candidates before submission to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The affirmation exercise is expected to serve as an internal validation mechanism in line with the Electoral Act and party regulations guiding candidate emergence ahead of the polls.
Kwankwaso expressed optimism that the exercise would be peaceful and successful, urging party members, supporters and Kwankwasiyya loyalists across Kano State to remain united and focused on the broader objective of winning the forthcoming elections.
“As we proceed with today’s affirmation exercise, I pray for a seamless, peaceful and successful process. May Almighty Allah grant us resounding victory in the forthcoming elections. Ameen,” he said.
The development has already generated reactions within political circles in Kano and beyond, with many supporters of the Kwankwasiyya movement welcoming the announcement as a sign of strategic planning and organisational cohesion ahead of the elections.
Analysts believe the endorsement of Gwarzo and Gawuna may further solidify Kwankwaso’s grip on Kano politics, especially among supporters who remain loyal to the Kwankwasiyya ideology.
The Kwankwasiyya movement has remained one of the most influential political forces in Kano State over the last decade, commanding a large grassroots following and maintaining a strong presence across local government areas in the state.
Kwankwaso himself continues to be regarded as one of the most prominent political figures in northern Nigeria, with considerable influence extending beyond Kano State.
Although the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections is still evolving, the latest announcement signals that the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya movement are already positioning themselves for a fierce contest in Kano State and at the national level.
The emergence of consensus candidates is also being interpreted as an attempt to avoid internal disputes and maintain unity within the party ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral cycle.
With the affirmation process underway and campaigns gradually gathering momentum, attention is now shifting to how rival political parties in Kano State will respond to the growing mobilisation within the Kwankwasiyya movement and the NDC.
Observers say the coming months are likely to witness intense political realignments, consultations and strategic alliances as major political actors prepare for the 2027 general elections.
