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Kwankwaso names Aminu Gwarzo as the NDC Kano governorship candidate for 2027, paving the way for a fierce political showdown.

The political landscape in Kano State is shifting ahead of the 2027 general elections. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and former Governor of Kano State, has made a major move. 

He has officially unveiled Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the governorship candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Kwankwaso announced this decision on his official X handle on Friday. He explained that the selection came after deep consultations within the party. According to him, the choice was based on equity, fairness, loyalty, and competence.

"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 stated.

Alongside Gwarzo's unveiling, Kwankwaso also named Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna as the party's candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District.

Who Is Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo?

Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo is not a new name in Kano politics. Born on November 6, 1960, in Gwarzo Local Government Area, he brings decades of experience to the table.

His educational journey includes a National Diploma and a Higher National Diploma from Kano State Polytechnic. He later earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and Administration from Bayero University, Kano, in 2008.

Gwarzo started working as a classroom teacher in 1977. By 1981, he had become a headmaster. He later moved into revenue work after getting his banking and finance qualifications.

His political record is quite extensive. He served as the Deputy Governor of Kano State from 2023 to 2026. Before that, he was elected twice as the chairman of Gwarzo Local Government Council. 

He also held commissioner positions in four different ministries in the state, where he helped shape and implement key policies.

Furthermore, Gwarzo served as a member of the National Assembly Service Commission. He was also the chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Kontagora, in Niger State.

Getting the NDC ticket was not a smooth ride. There was real political suspense behind the scenes. Nasiru Gawuna, a former APC governorship candidate in 2023, was initially seen as a strong contender for the top job.

Some party insiders pushed hard for Gawuna. They argued that the best person to defeat the current Governor, Abba Yusuf, should come from Kano Central. This put a lot of pressure on Kwankwaso to reconsider his options.

However, the path finally cleared for Gwarzo after a strategic compromise. Gawuna accepted the party's offer to run for the Kano Central Senatorial seat instead. A close associate confirmed that Gawuna agreed to contest the Senate position on the NDC platform.

Gwarzo's Recent Political Moves

Gwarzo's rise to the NDC ticket follows a turbulent period in his career. He resigned as Deputy Governor in March. This happened just weeks after the Kano State House of Assembly served him an impeachment notice.

His departure was linked to political disagreements with his former boss, Governor Abba Yusuf. Shortly after, on May 5, Gwarzo left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and joined the NDC.

Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, Gwarzo's spokesperson, confirmed that the former deputy governor will be formally affirmed alongside other NDC candidates at a scheduled party ceremony. Kwankwaso also prayed for a peaceful affirmation exercise, showing strong optimism about the party's future.

A Fierce Battle Ahead for 2027

If Gwarzo is officially confirmed, the 2027 Kano governorship race will be one to watch. He is expected to face his former principal, Governor Abba Yusuf.

Interestingly, the two politicians were once allies. They jointly won the governorship ticket under the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) in 2023. Now, political realignments have turned them into opponents.

The announcement has already sparked mixed reactions on social media. Several users have questioned the mode of selection used by the party. 

Still, Gwarzo's long record in public administration and grassroots leadership is expected to strengthen the NDC's campaign.

The stage is slowly being set for a fierce political battle in Kano State. Voters will ultimately decide who leads the state in 2027.