The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kano State has accused Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of attempting to rule the state by proxy following the emergence of his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, as the NDC deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The allegation comes after the NDC unveiled Mustapha Kwankwaso as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, ahead of the 2027 polls.
Mustapha, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, resigned alongside three other commissioners following the governor’s political realignment with the APC.
Reacting to the development, Kano APC Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, said the ruling party was not surprised by Mustapha’s nomination, alleging that it reflected Kwankwaso’s long-standing ambition to retain influence over the state’s leadership.
According to Doguwa, “APC is not surprised with the nomination of Kwankwaso’s son Mustapha as running mate to Aminu Abdussalam in their NDC party. In fact, APC expects more than this from Kwankwaso. We know and most of us who are very close to him know that Kwankwaso tried all possible means to secure a third term in office.”
He further alleged that the former governor had in the past explored legal options to remain in office beyond constitutional limits and claimed that the nomination of his son was another attempt to advance that agenda.
“Imposing his biological son to run as deputy governor is an opportunity to hatch the plan. Given more opportunities, Kwankwaso will do more than that,” Doguwa said.
The APC chairman also dismissed suggestions that the party was concerned about the development, insisting that the ruling party remained confident ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the Kwankwasiyya Movement has vowed to reclaim power in Kano following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the APC, a move Kwankwaso has described as a betrayal.
