Former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has announced Aminu Gwarzo as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election in Kano State.
Kwankwaso also confirmed that former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, will fly the party’s flag for the Kano Central Senatorial District contest.
The announcement was made on Friday through a statement released on Kwankwaso’s official social media platform.
According to him, the party arrived at the decision after extensive consultations with stakeholders and party members.
He explained that the selection process was guided by principles of fairness, competence, loyalty, and unity, which he described as the foundation of the Kwankwasiyya political movement and the NDC.
Kwankwaso expressed confidence that the party would emerge stronger ahead of the elections, while also praying for a smooth and peaceful affirmation exercise for all candidates.
He stated that the party leadership remains committed to ensuring stability and cooperation among members as preparations for the 2027 polls intensify.
Aminu Gwarzo is regarded as one of Kwankwaso’s longtime political associates.
He previously served as Deputy Governor of Kano State under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf before leaving office following political realignments within the state.
Before becoming deputy governor, Gwarzo served as Commissioner for State Affairs during Kwankwaso’s administration and also held office as Chairman of Gwarzo Local Government Area.
Following Governor Yusuf’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gwarzo also exited the government and later joined the African Democratic Congress alongside Kwankwaso before both politicians moved to the NDC.
Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who was named for the Senate race, also has a strong political background in Kano politics.
He served as deputy governor during the administration of former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Gawuna was the governorship candidate of the APC in the 2023 Kano governorship election, where he emerged as one of the major contenders in the race.
Political observers believe the latest announcement by Kwankwaso signals the beginning of strategic preparations by the NDC ahead of the 2027 elections, especially in Kano State, which remains one of the country’s most influential political strongholds.
