TD KANO, Nigeria — Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, is missing from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 governorship election, according to the list provided for review.
An examination of the document, titled Governorship Election 2027 – Final List of Candidates for Kano State, shows 17 governorship and deputy-governorship tickets representing different political parties. However, neither Gwarzo nor the NDC appears among the candidates and parties identified in the supplied document.
The omission raises questions about the NDC’s representation in the Kano governorship race ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gwarzo Had Earlier Emerged as NDC Candidate
Gwarzo was announced as the NDC’s governorship candidate for Kano State on May 29, 2026, by former Kano State governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The announcement followed political consultations within the movement and the party.
Gwarzo previously served as deputy governor of Kano State under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf before leaving office.
His emergence as the NDC flag bearer was reported by several Nigerian media organisations, including Channels Television and The PUNCH.
The development positioned Gwarzo as a prominent contender in the state’s 2027 governorship contest.
NDC/ Gwarzo Absent from the 17 Listed Parties
The supplied INEC document contains 17 governorship and deputy-governorship tickets associated with the following political parties: A, AA, AAC, ADC, ADP, APC, APGA, APM, APP, BP, DLA, LP, NDP, PDP, PRP, SDP and ZLP.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress is not among the parties identified in the document.
Similarly, Gwarzo’s name does not appear in the candidate entries provided for Kano State.
The absence is significant because INEC’s final list is an official electoral document identifying candidates for the relevant election.
However, the omission alone does not establish why Gwarzo and his party are missing or whether the situation could subsequently change through a legally recognised process.
Reason for Omitting Gwarzo Yet to Be Established
As of the preparation of this report, the material provided for review does not establish an official explanation from INEC for Gwarzo’s absence from the Kano governorship list.
It would therefore be premature to attribute the omission to a court ruling, a dispute over party primaries, non-compliance with electoral requirements or any other specific cause without documentary evidence or an authoritative statement.
The circumstances surrounding the omission require clarification from INEC and the NDC.
The party’s response would also be important in determining whether it has challenged the omission, received any formal communication from the electoral commission or taken steps to address the situation.
What the Development Means for Kano’s 2027 Election
Gwarzo’s absence from the supplied list raises questions about the NDC’s participation in the Kano governorship election and the status of the nomination previously announced by the party.
For voters and political observers, the central issue is whether the omission reflects a final decision concerning the party’s candidacy or another development in the nomination process.
Until INEC provides clarification or further official documentation becomes available, the precise implications for Gwarzo and the NDC remain uncertain.
This Dawn News will continue to monitor developments and update this report when further verifiable information becomes available.
