Political developments in Kano State have taken a decisive turn ahead of the next election cycle, as internal negotiations within the Kwankwasiyya political movement appear to have produced a consensus arrangement that reshapes the governorship contest.
The immediate past Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, is now expected to emerge as the governorship candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), following reports that his main rival, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, has accepted the party’s offer to contest the Kano Central Senatorial seat.
According to a close political associate of Gawuna, Tahir Ahmad, the former deputy governor has agreed to step down from the governorship race and instead run for the Senate under the NDC platform. This development is seen as a major breakthrough in weeks of internal consultations aimed at producing a single governorship flagbearer.
Party insiders say the agreement effectively resolves tensions within the Kwankwasiyya political bloc led by former Kano State Governor , who has been coordinating efforts to unify aspirants ahead of the elections.
Sources within the movement indicate that Kwankwaso had earlier backed Gwarzo for the governorship ticket while offering Gawuna alternative options, including the deputy governorship position or a Senate ticket representing Kano Central.
Gawuna’s reported acceptance of the senatorial slot is now expected to clear the final hurdle for the formal announcement of Gwarzo as the party’s governorship candidate.
The Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) has recently gained significant political momentum in Kano following Kwankwaso’s defection to the party alongside other prominent lawmakers and political figures, strengthening its position as a major opposition force in the state.
If confirmed, Gwarzo is expected to face incumbent Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in what analysts predict could be one of the most competitive governorship contests in Kano’s recent political history. Both men were previously key allies who jointly secured the governorship ticket under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections before political disagreements led to their separation.
Gwarzo resigned from office last month after the Kano State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against him over alleged financial misconduct. However, he has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that his resignation was voluntary and politically motivated rather than an admission of guilt.
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso has announced that the NDC will soon formally unveil and affirm all its candidates across various elective positions in Kano State, including state assembly, national assembly and presidential levels, through a consensus process.
In a video message to supporters, he said the arrangement was designed to strengthen party unity, reduce internal conflict and improve the party’s chances in the upcoming elections.
With the reported resolution of key disagreements, attention has now shifted to the formal unveiling of candidates, as political stakeholders await confirmation of Gwarzo’s emergence as the NDC governorship flagbearer in Kano State.
