Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to prevent the Governorship candidate of the opposition in Kano Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo on the ballot ahead of the 2027 general.
Besides, the opposition alleged that the APC was responsible for the omission of Gwarzo on the recent release of final list of candidates on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.
The names of NDC Governorship candidate Comrade Gwarzo and his running mate Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso were conspicuously missing on the INEC final list issued on 11th October, 2026.
The NDC’s agitation however come after INEC released the updated list of party candidates for 2027 general election on Saturday with Gwarzo and Kwankwaso’s names still missing.
Although, INEC clearly indicated “Court Order” on the candidate’s column indicating possible legal constraint, the Vice Presidential candidate of NDC Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, opined that the state government was responsible for the hurdle.
Kwankwaso in a viral social media video while addressing loyalists alleged that the government initially sought to use INEC to remove the NDC candidate from the ballot but later resorted to the courts when that move failed.
But Kwankwaso was optimistic that the NDC would overcome the present hurdle, participate in the election and defeat its opponents at the poll.
According to him, the government had realised that he made a political mistake and had since been making frantic efforts to prevent the NDC from participating in the governorship contest.
”What he wanted was for INEC to declare that there was no governorship candidate in Kano. When that did not happen, they went to court seeking the disqualification of our candidate,” Kwankwaso said.
The former Kano governor alleged that associates of the governor secretly instituted legal action against the party and INEC in a bid to secure a court order without attracting public attention.
He claimed that the case was structured in a manner that would prevent the affected candidate from becoming aware of the proceedings until after judgment had been delivered.
Kwankwaso, however, insisted that the NDC candidate had no constitutional or legal impediment that could warrant disqualification.
”Our candidates have no issues relating to age, educational qualification or any other constitutional requirement. There is nothing that should stop them from contesting the election,” he said.
The NDC vice-presidential candidate further accused the governor and his allies of attempting to avoid electoral competition rather than face the party at the polls.
”They do not want to contest against us. They believe that once they occupy government offices, they can do whatever they want. But Kano voters will decide,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the electorate would reject what he described as attempts to undermine democratic choice in the state.
Kwankwaso also urged supporters, particularly young people, to verify their voter registration status and remain politically active.
”Go and check your voter cards and ensure everything is in order. Continue your mobilisation. God is with those who stand for the truth,” he said.
