INEC Restores Gwarzo’s Name on Kano Governorship List as NDC Claims Growing Support

The Kano State governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has said the controversy over the initial omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list of candidates has increased the party’s visibility and attracted more supporters ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Gwarzo’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, said the restoration of the candidate’s name by INEC vindicated the party’s position that it had complied with the required electoral and nomination procedures.

In a statement, Shuaibu said the party was never intimidated by the initial omission, maintaining that it had followed all stipulated processes, including membership registration, the conduct of its primary election and submission of the candidate’s particulars.

He said the NDC had consistently maintained that there was no legal or procedural justification for excluding Gwarzo from the list, adding that INEC’s decision to restore his name had strengthened the party’s confidence in the electoral process.

“We were never frightened or discouraged by the development because we knew that we had followed all the laid-down procedures. Our membership registration, party primary and submission of our candidate’s details were conducted in line with the relevant requirements.

“We were confident that the truth would prevail, and the restoration of our candidate’s name has further strengthened our resolve,” he said.

Shuaibu also argued that what initially appeared to be a setback had generated public attention, sympathy and renewed interest in the party.

“What some people thought would weaken us has instead brought us greater attention and strengthened our support base. The controversy has made more people interested in our party, our candidate and what we represent.

“Rather than distract us, the development has reinforced our determination and given our supporters additional motivation to remain committed to the political process,” he added.

The spokesperson said the party would not allow the controversy to derail its political activities, noting that its focus remained on grassroots mobilisation, engagement with residents and communicating its plans for Kano State.

He added that Gwarzo and the party leadership remained committed to pursuing their political objectives through lawful and democratic means, while urging supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined.

Shuaibu said the NDC would continue its mobilisation efforts across all 44 local government areas of Kano State as it prepares for the 2027 governorship election.