Kano NDC Supporters Protest at INEC Office Over Omission of Governorship Candidate

Supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State on Friday staged a peaceful protest at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the omission of the party’s governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and his running mate, Mustapha Rabiu, from the final list for the 2027 governorship election.

The protesters, led by the NDC deputy governorship candidate, Mustapha Kwankwaso, marched to the commission’s state office, where they submitted a formal petition demanding the inclusion of the candidates’ names in the list.

Speaking during the protest, Kwankwaso maintained that the party had complied with the requirements for nominating candidates and described their exclusion as unjust.

The protesters urged INEC to address the matter promptly, insisting that the party had completed the necessary nomination procedures within the stipulated period.

The NDC had earlier attributed the omission to what it described as a computer glitch at the electoral commission. The party’s state Public Relations Officer, Yusif Fasaha, had assured members that the issue was not caused by any failure on the party’s part.

Fasaha said the party had contacted INEC and was informed that the problem would be rectified. He subsequently appealed to supporters to remain calm while the leadership pursued the matter.

Receiving the delegation, Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abdu Zango, said the commission had acknowledged the complaint and would forward the petition to its national headquarters for consideration.

Zango also disclosed that an appeal window remained open until October 24, urging the aggrieved party to follow the appropriate process.

He commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully and assured them that the commission would handle the complaint without bias.

The NDC’s governorship candidate and running mate were absent from the final list, which contained 17 candidates and their running mates for the Kano governorship election.

The development has generated concern within the party as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.