Former Kano governor alleges interference in INEC candidate list, declares NDC a formidable opposition party.
The Vice-Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has accused Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, of allegedly influencing the omission of the party’s governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from the list of candidates published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kwankwaso made the allegation on Sunday at his Miller Road residence in Kano, where he urged Governor Yusuf to respect democratic principles and refrain from actions capable of frustrating the NDC’s political activities in the state.
The former governor alleged that the state government was attempting to undermine the party through political manoeuvres and legal processes.
According to him, the governor had allegedly been involved in efforts to weaken the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) following his defection, adding that similar actions were now affecting the NDC.
Kwankwaso, however, urged the governor to allow the democratic process to take its course, warning that continued political tension could create an unpleasant situation in Kano.
He appealed to influential individuals who have access to the governor to intervene, while calling on NDC supporters to remain calm despite their grievances.
NDC Is a Formidable Opposition, Says Kwankwaso
The NDC vice-presidential candidate also expressed confidence in the party’s growing political influence, describing it as a formidable opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
He attributed the party’s growing support to the enthusiasm of Nigerians, particularly youths across the North and South, and called on opposition figures advocating for political cooperation to join the NDC.
Kwankwaso defended the party’s presidential ticket, which has Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and himself as the running mate, describing the arrangement as an effort to promote regional and religious balance.
He argued that the South should produce the next president, recalling that the North had benefited from the political rotation arrangement in 2015.
Kwankwaso Faults Federal Government’s Borrowing
The former Kano governor also criticised the Tinubu administration over its borrowing plans, describing the country’s growing debt obligations as unsustainable.
He questioned the government’s management of public resources, arguing that Nigerians had yet to see sufficient benefits from the removal of fuel subsidy despite rising fuel prices.
Kwankwaso specifically expressed concern over the Federal Government’s reported request for approximately $21 billion in external loans, warning that excessive borrowing could place an additional burden on future generations.
He maintained that Nigeria has sufficient resources to improve citizens’ living conditions if public funds are properly managed.