INEC Omission Boosted NDC’s Support Base, Popularity, Says Gwarzo’s Spokesman

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has said the omission of its Kano State governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) list of candidates has strengthened the party’s popularity and expanded its support base ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, spokesman for Gwarzo, made the claim while reacting to developments surrounding the candidate’s omission and subsequent reinstatement.

According to Shuaibu, the party remained confident throughout the controversy because it believed it had complied with the required electoral procedures for nominating its candidate.

“We were not frightened because we followed all the laid-down procedures from party membership to the nomination process and submission of our candidate’s details,” he said.

He argued that the controversy had generated public sympathy for the party, prompting more people to identify with its cause.

“What the electoral commission intended as a setback has actually worked in our favour. It has increased our supporters, strengthened our popularity and made more people identify with us,” Shuaibu said.

Gwarzo and his running mate, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, were initially absent from INEC’s published list of candidates for the 2027 Kano governorship election, raising concerns among party members and supporters about the NDC’s participation in the contest.

The omission prompted the party and the Kwankwasiyya Movement to seek clarification from the electoral commission. Supporters also staged a protest at INEC’s Kano office and submitted a petition demanding that the issue be addressed.

The Kano State chapter of the NDC maintained that it had completed the nomination process within the stipulated timeframe and urged its members to remain calm while the matter was being resolved.

The controversy subsequently drew wider attention to the party and its preparations for the forthcoming election.

Reports published on Friday indicated that INEC had cleared Gwarzo and that his name had been restored following the review process. However, the party’s state chairman said he was awaiting formal confirmation from the commission.

Shuaibu said the party would continue mobilising supporters and promoting its programmes across Kano State ahead of the election.

The development comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with candidate nominations and compliance with electoral requirements remaining key issues in the process.