INEC excludes Kwankwaso’s NDC governorship candidate from Kano final list

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on its members to maintain calm after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to include the party’s governorship aspirant in Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, in its released list of gubernatorial candidates for the 2027 elections.

The list, signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, lists 17 gubernatorial candidates and their running mate from various political parties in Kano State. Gwarzo is not part of the list.

The omission prompted concerns about the party’s participation in the governorship race. However, the NDC’s Kano State Public Relations Officer, Yusif Fasaha, said the party had contacted INEC and was told the problem resulted from a computer error.

“I want to assure you that as the PRO of the party, the problem is not from us,” Fasaha said, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria.

He added that the party had been assured the issue would be corrected and that an updated list containing Gwarzo’s name would be released. Fasaha also maintained that the candidate had fulfilled the necessary requirements within the stipulated period.

INEC’s published list does not provide an explanation for Gwarzo’s absence. The commission’s anticipated correction, as reported by the party, will be important in clarifying the candidate’s status in the Kano governorship contest.

The development comes as political parties prepare for the 2027 general elections and seek to ensure their candidates meet the electoral requirements.