The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has selected Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The announcement was confirmed on Monday by Gwarzo’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, who said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state.
According to Shuaibu, the choice of Mustapha Kwankwaso is aimed at strengthening the party’s electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections and expanding its support base across Kano.
“The governorship candidate of our great party, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has selected Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election in Kano State,” Shuaibu said.
He added that the nomination reflects the party’s commitment to unity, inclusiveness, and effective representation.
Mustapha is the son of former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. His emergence is expected to deepen the influence of the Kwankwasiyya political structure within the NDC as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Political analysts believe the selection could reshape political alignments in Kano, given Kwankwaso’s enduring influence in the state’s political landscape and the strong grassroots following of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
Gwarzo, who previously served as Deputy Governor of Kano State, emerged as the NDC governorship candidate following consultations among party stakeholders and leaders.
The running mate announcement comes amid increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties across the country gradually unveiling candidates and forming strategic alliances.
Observers say the Gwarzo-Kwankwaso ticket could become a major force in the contest for Kano Government House, one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states.
