Rabiu Kwankwaso, national leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has announced Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 Kano governorship election.
Kwankwaso also named Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as the party’s candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial seat.
The former Kano governor disclosed the development in a statement shared on his official handle on Friday, explaining that the decision followed extensive consultations within the party.
According to him, the selection process was guided by principles of equity, fairness, loyalty and competence.
“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.”
He added that the decisions reflected the core values of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the party.
“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 said.
Kwankwaso also expressed optimism about the party’s chances ahead of the elections and prayed for a peaceful affirmation exercise.
“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,” he added.
Gwarzo is regarded as a longtime ally of Kwankwaso and previously served as Deputy Governor of Kano State under Governor Abba Yusuf.
He also held positions as Commissioner for State Affairs during Kwankwaso’s administration and Chairman of Gwarzo Local Government Area.
The former deputy governor resigned from office after Governor Yusuf defected to the All Progressives Congress before later joining the African Democratic Congress alongside Kwankwaso and eventually moving to the NDC.
Meanwhile, Gawuna previously served as Deputy Governor of Kano State under Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and was the APC governorship candidate during the 2023 election.
He recently defected to align politically with Kwankwaso and the NDC ahead of the 2027 elections.
What You Should Know
The political landscape in Kano State continues to witness major realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several influential politicians switching parties and forming new alliances.
Rabiu Kwankwaso remains one of the most influential political figures in northern Nigeria through the Kwankwasiyya movement, which commands significant grassroots support in Kano and beyond.
The emergence of Aminu Gwarzo and Nasiru Gawuna as candidates under the Nigeria Democratic Congress signals the growing preparations by opposition groups to challenge established political parties in the state.
Analysts believe Kano will remain one of the key battleground states in the 2027 elections due to its large voting population and strategic political importance.
