June 15, (THEWILL) — A fresh political realignment has emerged in Kano State ahead of the 2027 elections, as Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, son of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has been unveiled as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mustapha will run alongside the party’s governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, in what analysts are already describing as a major political development capable of reshaping alliances in Kano ahead of the fiercely anticipated 2027 governorship contest.
The announcement was confirmed on Monday by spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habibu Saleh Mohammed, who disclosed the development in a brief statement.
“HE Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo unveiled Hon Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as running mate for the 2027 Governorship Election,” Mohammed stated.
The development comes months after Mustapha resigned from the administration of incumbent governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, where he served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
His resignation followed the political fallout between Governor Yusuf and his father, Rabiu Kwankwaso, a development that triggered fresh cracks within Kano’s powerful political establishment and the larger Kwankwasiyya movement.
At the time of stepping down, Mustapha said he took the decision “with a heavy heart,” while expressing gratitude to Governor Yusuf for allowing him to serve the people of Kano State.
He said his period in office provided him with invaluable experience and lessons, while appreciating the trust reposed in him during his time in government.
“As I resign, I pray that the youth of Kano State will continue to receive the attention and support they deserve. I hope for the best for our sports development programs and initiatives, and I am confident that they will flourish in the years to come,” he had said.
His emergence as deputy governorship candidate is widely seen as a strategic move by the NDC and a strong indication that the Kwankwaso political structure is repositioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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