2027: Ex-Kano deputy gov, Gwarzo clinches NDC guber ticket as Gawuna accepts senate offer

All seems to be set for former Deputy Governor of Kano State Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo to become the gubernatorial flagbearer of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in preparation for the elections of 2027.

This comes after reports indicated that he will be competing with his only major opponent, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, for the Kano Central Senatorial seat following a compromise between them.

Tahir Ahmad, who is a close associate of Gawuna and former Special Adviser, told newsmen that the former deputy governor was ready to compete for the Senatorial seat using the NDC platform.

The move is likely to put to an end the series of consultations which have been going on within the Kwankwasiyya group, led by former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over the choice of a consensus candidate for the gubernatorial contest.

It was earlier gathered that the former governor wanted Gwarzo as the flagbearer, while offering Gawuna either the post of deputy governor or Kano Central Senator.

Gawuna’s reported acceptance of the senatorial position means that Gwarzo will now be seen as the party’s choice for flag-bearer for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

Insiders revealed that the announcement of the arrangement was delayed because of Gawuna’s indecision about the position he wanted within the party until finally agreeing to become a senator.

Recently, the NDC emerged as an opposition party in Kano state after Kwankwaso defected to the NDC party alongside another serving senator, four members of the House of Representatives, and some State representatives.

In the event of being formally confirmed, Gwarzo will face off against his former boss who is none other than the Governor of the state, Abba Kabir Yusuf, in what seems likely to become one of the fiercest contests ever for a gubernatorial position in the state.

Both politicians secured the governorship slot of the New Nigeria People’s Party ahead of the 2023 elections but fell out as a result of political shifts.

Last month, Gwarzo quit his position following efforts by the Kano State House of Assembly to impeach him for financial misdeeds.

On his part, the former deputy governor has always denied these claims, arguing that his resignation was not intended as an acknowledgment of any wrongdoings on his part.

It was further observed by some political analysts that Gwarzo’s failure to align himself with Governor Yusuf in the All Progressives Congress party might have played a role in his controversial situation.

On the other hand, Kwankwaso made it known that today will mark the day when all the NDC candidates in the Kano State will receive an endorsement from their respective party.

In a video statement addressed to his party members, the chairman of the Kwankwasiyya group said all conflicts over party nominations had been sorted out amicably by the former aspirants to ensure party unity.

In his opinion, the deal was made in order to strengthen the party before the election and to prevent any internal division that may weaken their chances of winning the election.

The new statement seems to indicate that disagreements regarding appointments in crucial positions such as governorship ticket have been sorted out by the party leaders.

After confirming that Gawuna will be contesting for the Senate ticket, preparations to ratify the nominees have begun, which means all eyes will be on Gwarzo as the announced nominee for governorship in Kano State.