The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of attempting to maintain political control of the state by proxy, following the nomination of his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, as deputy governorship candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the 2027 election. Mustapha will run alongside NDC governorship candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. He previously served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf before resigning from the cabinet when Yusuf defected to the APC.
Kano APC chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa stated the party was not surprised by Mustapha's emergence, calling it part of Kwankwaso's ongoing effort to extend his influence in Kano. Doguwa claimed Kwankwaso had previously attempted to secure a third term through various means and described the son's candidacy as another tactic to bypass constitutional limits. "We know, and most of us who are very close to him know, that Kwankwaso tried all possible means to secure a third term in office," Doguwa said. He added that naming Mustapha as deputy governor candidate was a step toward executing that plan, warning that Kwankwaso would pursue further measures if given the chance.
The APC leadership dismissed concerns that the move posed a threat, expressing confidence in its ability to win the 2027 election. Meanwhile, Kwankwaso's camp has declared its intention to retake Kano, condemning Governor Yusuf's defection to the APC as an act of betrayal.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is pushing for power through his son's deputy candidacy after failing to secure a third gubernatorial term. Mustapha Kwankwaso's position as a former commissioner under Yusuf makes his alliance with the NDC a direct challenge to the current APC-led administration. The move shifts family influence into the forefront of Kano's political contest. Voters now face a race shaped more by dynastic ambition than party loyalty.
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