On Friday, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, the official spokesperson for the Nigeria Democratic Congress, announced that the Independent National Electoral Commission's decision to restore the name of its Kano State governorship candidate, Aminu Gwarzo, has boosted the party’s popularity ahead of the 2027 election.
What triggered the controversy?
INEC initially omitted Gwarzo’s name from the list of candidates for the upcoming governorship poll, prompting the party to raise concerns. The commission later reversed the decision after public outcry, reinstating the candidate’s name.
How did the NDC respond?
Shuaibu emphasized that the party never feared the initial exclusion because it had adhered to every required electoral step, from party membership verification to the nomination and submission of candidate details. He stated, "We were not frightened because we followed all the laid‑down procedures from party membership to the nomination process and submission of our candidate’s details."
What impact did the episode have?
According to Shuaibu, the episode turned into a temporary challenge that generated public sympathy and attracted new supporters. He added, "What the electoral commission intended as a setback has actually worked in our favour. It has increased our supporters, strengthened our popularity and made more people identify with us."
What are the party’s next steps?
The NDC plans to continue its campaign and grassroots mobilisation across Kano State, promoting its policies and development agenda to voters. Shuaibu expressed confidence that the restored candidacy would improve the party’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.
Why is the development significant?
The incident highlights the importance of strict compliance with electoral regulations and demonstrates how procedural disputes can influence public perception. It also underscores the competitive nature of upcoming state elections, where parties vie for voter trust well before the ballot day.
Overall, the NDC views the INEC reversal as a strategic advantage that could translate into greater electoral support when the 2027 governorship race unfolds.