Kano NDC unveils Kwankwaso’s son as running mate

June 16, 2026 4:01 am

Hussaini Ibrahim and Tukur Muntari

The Nigeria Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo, on Monday, unveiled Mustapha Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

Mustapha Kwankwaso, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Kano State, is the son of the national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and vice-presidential candidate of the NDC in the 2027 election, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The announcement was made on Monday following the presentation of the younger Kwankwaso before the party’s caucus and key stakeholders during a consultative meeting held at Miller Road residence of the former governor in Kano.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the governorship candidate, Ibrahim Shuaibu, the party said the selection followed extensive consultations among party leaders and stakeholders.

Garba explained that the process began with the state chapter of the party nominating Mustapha and presenting his name to Gwarzo for consideration.

According to him, the governorship candidate subsequently embarked on wider consultations before arriving at the final decision.

“The Kano State leadership of the party initially nominated Hon Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and presented his name to the governorship candidate.

“After a series of consultations and careful consideration, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo approved the choice and adopted him as his running mate,” the statement said.

Garba described the decision as strategic and aimed at strengthening the party’s commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, economic growth and effective service delivery.

He noted that several qualified individuals were considered before the party settled for Mustapha Kwankwaso.

“The choice was not made in isolation. It was the outcome of broad consultations and a careful assessment of the qualities required to complement the governorship candidate and advance the party’s vision for Kano State,” he added.

Speaking on the development, Gwarzo expressed confidence in his running mate’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s agenda if elected.

He said Mustapha Kwankwaso possesses the experience, leadership qualities and grassroots appeal required to strengthen the ticket ahead of the election.

“Hon Mustapha Kwankwaso is a committed leader with proven experience in public service and youth development.

“We are confident that his contribution will add value to our mission of providing purposeful leadership for the people of Kano State,” Gwarzo said.

The statement said his experience in public service, youth engagement and community development informed the party’s decision.

The NDC further stated that the Gwarzo-Kwankwaso ticket represents a combination of competence, experience and commitment capable of addressing the challenges confronting Kano State.

The party described the emergence of Mustapha as a major boost to its political structure and grassroots mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

It also called on members and supporters to remain united and committed to the party’s vision of transparency, accountability and good governance.

Earlier, an announcement by the spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habibu Saleh, had confirmed the emergence of Mustapha as running mate to Gwarzo.

According to the statement, Gwarzo formally presented Mustapha as the party’s deputy governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 Kano State governorship election.

“The development is expected to strengthen the NDC’s political structure in Kano, as the party positions itself for the forthcoming governorship contest,” the statement said.

Gwarzo, a former deputy governor, emerged as the NDC’s governorship candidate after he resigned from Governor Abba Yusuf’s government, following his defection to the All Progressives Congress.

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