Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Kano State, has named Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 election. The announcement was confirmed in a statement by the Kwankwasiyya Movement spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Saleh Mohammed, on Monday. Mustapha is the son of Senator Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and current NDC presidential running mate to Chief Peter Obi.
Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso recently resigned as Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, a position he held under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. His resignation followed political tensions between his father and the governor. While Governor Yusuf switched from the New Nigerian People's Party (NNPP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) ahead of his re-election bid, Mustapha left the state executive council to align with his father's new political path.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement's statement described the unveiling as a formal presentation of Mustapha as the party's deputy gubernatorial candidate. Mustapha had previously said his decision to step down from the cabinet was made with a "heavy heart." No further details on campaign plans or party endorsements were provided in the statement.
Aminu Gwarzo chose a running mate whose political loyalty appears tied more to his father's shifting alliances than to a track record in governance. Mustapha Kwankwaso resigned from a key state role amid a family feud, then joined a party led by his father's new presidential pick. Voters in Kano are now expected to back a deputy candidate whose entire political movement follows a dynastic trail. The NDC's choice raises questions about whether the ticket offers fresh leadership or just another branch of the Kwankwasiyya tree.
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