Protest Erupts at Kano INEC Office Over Omission of NDC Governorship Candidate
Hundreds of Kwankwasiyya supporters demand reinstatement of Aminu Gwarzo, while INEC gives affected parties until October 24 to appeal.
Hundreds of supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement on Friday staged a peaceful protest at the Kano State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from the commission’s list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election.
The protesters, led by the NDC deputy governorship candidate, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, submitted a formal petition demanding the immediate reinstatement of Gwarzo and an investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the substitution of some candidates.
The demonstration followed growing concerns within the party over the exclusion of Gwarzo from the published list, with NDC leaders insisting that the party had fulfilled the requirements for nominating its candidates.
The protesters described the omission as unjust and called on the electoral commission to urgently address the matter to protect the party’s participation in the forthcoming election.
NDC Alleges Irregularities in Candidate Substitution
Speaking during the protest, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr Habib Mohammed, alleged that some correspondence submitted to INEC concerning candidate substitutions contained suspected forged signatures.
Mohammed further alleged that an INEC staff member may have colluded with unauthorised individuals to conceal decisions that allegedly resulted in the substitution of some candidates.
He called on the commission to investigate the allegations, establish the circumstances surrounding the disputed changes and ensure that only properly authorised communications from political parties are acted upon.
The allegations have not been independently established, and no findings of wrongdoing against the official in question have been announced by INEC.
The movement said it expected the commission to investigate the complaints and take appropriate action where irregularities are established.
INEC Gives Affected Parties October 24 Deadline
Receiving the protesters, Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abdu Zango, acknowledged the complaint and assured the delegation that its petition would be forwarded to INEC’s national headquarters for consideration.
Zango said affected political parties had an opportunity to appeal against the omission of their candidates, with the window for such appeals closing on October 24, 2026.
He said the commission had received the complaints and would ensure they were communicated to the appropriate authorities.
The REC also commended the protesters for adopting a peaceful approach to expressing their grievances, stressing that electoral disputes should be pursued through established channels rather than violence.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to neutrality in the electoral process.
Electoral Credibility Under Scrutiny
The controversy presents another test for INEC as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The publication of candidates’ lists is a critical stage in the electoral process, as it determines which aspirants are officially recognised to contest under their respective political parties.
Any disputed omission or substitution can trigger political tension, administrative complaints and potential legal challenges, particularly when affected parties question whether the prescribed nomination procedures have been followed.
For the NDC and its supporters, the immediate priority is to secure a review of the omission and establish whether the party’s governorship candidate can be included on the official list.
The commission’s handling of the petition will therefore be closely watched by the party and other political stakeholders in Kano State.
With the October 24 appeal deadline approaching, the NDC faces a limited window to pursue the available administrative remedies and seek clarification over the disputed omission.
The Analyst will continue to monitor developments as INEC considers the petition and the dispute over the NDC’s governorship candidacy unfolds.