Supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement on Friday protested in Kano State over the alleged omission of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The protesters, led by the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Mustapha Kwankwaso, marched to INEC’s state office, where they submitted a formal petition demanding Gwarzo’s reinstatement.

Kwankwaso, who represented Gwarzo during the protest, maintained that the party had complied with the commission’s requirements for nominating candidates and described the omission as unjust.

Receiving the delegation, Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abdu Zango, said INEC had taken note of the complaint and explained that an appeal window remained open until October 24.

Zango assured the protesters that their petition would receive the necessary attention and be forwarded to the commission’s national headquarters for consideration. He also commended them for presenting their grievances peacefully and in an orderly manner.

The spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr Habib Mohammed, said the petition also called for an investigation into alleged forgery and collusion involving an INEC staff member.

Mohammed alleged that unauthorised letters, some bearing suspected forged signatures, had been submitted to INEC headquarters, resulting in the substitution of some candidates in Kano State.

He said the movement believed that only authorised party officials should communicate with the commission on matters concerning candidate nominations and substitutions. The group requested an investigation into the conduct of the staff member before deciding on further action.

Mohammed said the delegation was satisfied with the assurances given by the resident electoral commissioner and expected the petition to be escalated to INEC’s national headquarters.

The allegations of forgery and collusion have not been independently established.

Meanwhile, Zango said the collection of Permanent Voter Cards, which began on October 9, had recorded encouraging turnout. He added that INEC planned to extend collection points to Registration Areas to make the exercise more accessible to eligible voters.

The protest comes as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections, with the movement seeking the commission’s intervention over the status of its candidates.