INEC row boosted our popularity, says Gwarzo

The Kano State governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has said the controversy over the initial omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s list of candidates has attracted more supporters to the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Gwarzo said the development, which ended with INEC restoring his name to the list, had generated public interest in the party rather than weakened its political standing.

His spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, stated this while reacting to the restoration, describing it as a vindication of the party’s position that it had complied with all electoral and nomination requirements.

Shuaibu said the party was never intimidated by the initial omission, insisting that it followed all stipulated procedures, including membership registration, the conduct of its primary election and submission of the candidate’s particulars to INEC.

He said the party remained confident throughout the controversy because it was convinced that there was no legal or procedural basis for excluding its candidate.

“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 added that the controversy had brought the NDC increased public attention, sympathy and renewed interest, with more people expressing willingness to identify 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,” Shuaibu said.

He maintained that the development would not distract the party from its political activities, saying its attention remained on grassroots mobilisation, engagement with residents and communicating its vision for Kano State.

According to him, Gwarzo and the party leadership are committed to pursuing their political ambitions through lawful and democratic means.

He also urged supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and focused as preparations for the 2027 governorship election gather momentum.

Shuaibu said the party would intensify its mobilisation across Kano State’s 44 local government areas, adding that the restoration of Gwarzo’s name had renewed attention to its preparations for the election.

He reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment to the democratic process, insisting that the controversy would not derail its political activities or preparations for the forthcoming poll.