Gwarzo Names Kwankwaso’s Son as Running Mate for 2027 Kano Governorship Race

NDC governorship candidate Aminu Gwarzo has selected Mustapha Kwankwaso, son of former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, as his running mate ahead of the 2027 election.

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, stakeholders and supporters across the state.

According to Shuaibu, the choice of Mustapha Kwankwaso is part of the party’s strategy to strengthen its political structure and improve its chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“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 stated.

He explained that the selection reflects the party’s commitment to unity, inclusiveness and broad-based representation, adding that Mustapha has demonstrated loyalty and dedication to the party’s objectives.

Mustapha Kwankwaso is the son of former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Political analysts believe his emergence could significantly boost the NDC’s appeal among supporters of the influential Kwankwasiyya movement, which remains a major political force in Kano and parts of northern Nigeria.

Observers also note that the nomination may reshape political calculations ahead of the 2027 governorship election, particularly as parties begin building alliances and consolidating support bases across the state.

Gwarzo, a former Deputy Governor of Kano State, secured the NDC governorship ticket following consultations among party leaders and stakeholders. His candidacy has been viewed as an attempt by the party to present an experienced leadership team capable of challenging established political structures in the state.

The announcement comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum, with parties positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.

With Mustapha Kwankwaso now on the ticket, attention is expected to focus on how the NDC plans to leverage the influence of the Kwankwasiyya movement while expanding its support across Kano’s diverse political landscape