2027: Fresh Twist as INEC Omits NDC Candidate Aminu Gwarzo, Kwankwaso’s Son From Final List

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released an updated final list of candidates for the 2027 Kano State governorship election, but the names of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and his running mate, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, are still missing.

According to a report by The Vanguard on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the electoral commission published the revised list on Saturday without including the NDC governorship ticket, despite earlier assurances from party members that the omission would be addressed.

The development has raised fresh questions about the party’s participation in the forthcoming election, particularly as other political parties have secured places on the updated list.

Among those recognised by INEC are the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), alongside several other registered political parties.

Prominent governorship contenders, including the incumbent Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and former Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo, are among the candidates featured in the commission’s publication.

The continued absence of the NDC candidates comes after the party reportedly attributed their initial exclusion to a technical error during the data-entry process.

Party representatives had maintained that the omission was not deliberate and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved before the electoral process moved further.

Dr Yusuf Ibrahim Kofarmata, Secretary of the Kwankwasiyya Caucus and an NDC candidate for the House of Representatives in Kano State, had earlier insisted that Gwarzo complied with INEC’s registration requirements.

He claimed that the governorship candidate completed the necessary procedures within the stipulated period and submitted his information through the commission’s designated online portal.

Following the initial omission, the NDC leadership reportedly appealed to its members and supporters to remain calm while efforts were being made to correct the situation. Supporters were also encouraged to continue preparations for the election rather than allow the controversy to disrupt the party’s political activities.

However, the publication of the updated list without Gwarzo and Kwankwaso’s names has renewed uncertainty among party loyalists. The development could create further difficulties for the NDC as political parties intensify their preparations and begin consolidating support ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.

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