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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has announced the selection of Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Kano ahead of the 2027 elections, a decision that has triggered mixed reactions across social media.
Kwankwaso made the announcement on his X handle on Friday, May 29, 2026, alongside the nomination of Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as the party’s candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District.
In the statement, the former presidential candidate said the decision was reached “in the spirit of equity, fairness, loyalty, and competence,” which he described as the guiding principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
“I am delighted to announce that His Excellency, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo has been selected as our Kano NDC Gubernatorial Candidate for the upcoming elections,” Kwankwaso wrote.
“Similarly, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna will contest for the Kano Central Senatorial Seat.
“This decision was made in the spirit of equity, fairness, loyalty, and competence values that remain central to our party and Kwankwasiyya’s progress and unity.”
Kwankwaso also prayed for a peaceful affirmation exercise and expressed optimism that the party would record victory in the coming polls.
The announcement, however, sparked mixed reactions on social media, with several users questioning the mode of selection adopted by the party.
One X user, @Saliu_Ade, criticised the process, drawing comparisons with the emergence of Peter Obi as the NDC presidential candidate.
“So let me get this straight. Peter Obi was handpicked as NDC presidential candidate with no primaries and people called it out, and now the Kano gubernatorial candidate has been ‘selected’ in the same party with the same process and they are calling it equity and fairness. No votes. No primaries. Just a selection,” the user wrote.
Another user, @Jericho_Officia, suggested that Kwankwaso may not fully trust Gawuna’s political loyalty because of his past alliance with Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
“He doesn’t trust Gawuna, literally he’s thinking of former allied to Ganduje if eventually becomes governor, but chances are so slim for any of his candidate,” the post read.
Also reacting, @PrinceOmoha alleged that the choice of Gwarzo was strategically designed to ease the path for incumbent Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to secure a second term in office.
“Now I begin to believe RMK is truly working for APC. It’s audible to the deaf and visible to the blind that Nasiru Gawuna is a major challenger to Governor Abba having proven his popularity and acceptance in the 2023 election. The decision to choose Aminu Gawarzo as the candidate is simply to enable Gov Abba Yusuf win his second term without any glitch. “
The user further speculated that Kwankwaso could later align politically with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar depending on the outcome of the 2027 elections.