The Kano State governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has said the controversy surrounding the initial omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, list of candidates has strengthened the party’s popularity and attracted more supporters ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Gwarzo’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, in a statement, said the reinstatement of his boss’ name by INEC is a vindication of the party’s position that it had complied with all the necessary electoral and nomination requirements.
Shuaibu said the party was never intimidated by the initial omission, insisting that it remained confident throughout the controversy because it followed all stipulated procedures, from membership registration to the party’s primary election and submission of the candidate’s particulars.
According to him, the party had maintained that there was no legal or procedural basis for excluding its candidate, adding that the eventual restoration of Gwarzo’s name had reinforced its confidence in the electoral process.
“We were never frightened or discouraged by the development because we knew that we had followed all the laid-down procedures. Our membership registration, party primary and submission of our candidate’s details were conducted in line with the relevant requirements.
“We were confident that the truth would prevail, and the restoration of our candidate’s name has further strengthened our resolve,” he said.
The spokesperson noted that what initially appeared to be a setback had generated considerable public attention, sympathy and renewed interest in the NDC, with more people identifying with the party.
“What some people thought would weaken us has instead brought us greater attention and strengthened our support base. The controversy has made more people interested in our party, our candidate and what we represent.
“Rather than distract us, the development has reinforced our determination and given our supporters additional motivation to remain committed to the political process,” Shuaibu said.
He maintained that the party would not allow the controversy to distract it from its political activities, adding that its focus remained on grassroots mobilisation, engagement with residents and communicating its vision for Kano State.
Shuaibu further said Gwarzo and the party leadership remained committed to pursuing their political objectives through lawful and democratic means, while urging supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and focused.
He said the NDC would continue to expand its reach across the 44 local government areas of Kano State.