Kwankwaso Names Kano NDC Governorship and Senate Candidates

KANO — Former Kano Governor and NNPP leader Rabiu Kwankwaso has announced his party’s candidates for the 2027 Kano governorship and senate elections. Channels Television reported that Kwankwaso named Gwarzo as the NDC governorship candidate and Gawuna for the senate. The announcement signals Kwankwaso’s determination to remain a major force in Kano politics heading into 2027.

Kwankwaso’s decision to work through the NDC rather than the NNPP reflects the complex political realignments that have characterised this primary season. After his brief flirtation with the ADC coalition, Kwankwaso has positioned himself and his political network within a platform that gives him operational flexibility.

The Kano governorship contest is expected to be one of the most competitive in the 2027 cycle. Current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP, the PDP’s Dalhatu who won the party’s primary, and Kwankwaso’s NDC candidate will all be competing in Nigeria’s most populous state.

Kwankwaso’s Strategy

Political analysts say Kwankwaso is playing a long game. By fielding candidates through the NDC, he maintains a political machine in Kano regardless of how national coalition talks develop. His candidates will give him leverage in any future negotiations with other opposition parties or with the APC.

Kano’s unique political dynamics, shaped by strong emirate influences, Kwankwasiyya loyalists, and the state’s complex relationship with both northern conservatism and democratic activism, make it a battleground that no party can win without understanding local power structures.

INEC has confirmed receipt of NDC’s candidate submissions from across the country before the May 30 deadline. The commission is now in the verification phase that will determine which candidates meet all eligibility requirements under the Electoral Act and the Nigerian Constitution.