From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The Kwankwasiyya Movement, an association of followers of former Kano state governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso has called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the ommission of the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and his running mate for the 2027 election in the state.
The names of the NDC gubernatorial candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo and his running mate, Mustapha Rabi’u Kwankwaso were missing in the list of governorship candidates released by the INEC.
Reacting to the development, the movement, in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Habibu Saleh Mohammed said to its understanding, Gwarzo had complied with the stipulated party-registration requirements.
In a statement in Kano on Sunday, Mohammed said the movement is not aware of any court case or judicial order that had been identified as the basis for Gwarzo’s omission from the list of candidates published by INEC.
According to him, the circumstances make it imperative for INEC to provide a clear explanation and ensure that the matter receives the attention it deserves.
“Our understanding is that our candidate complied with the stipulated party-registration requirements.
” If the records confirm this position and the omission is administrative, we expect the Commission to address the matter transparently and take any corrective action permitted by law.
“We emphasize, however, that the Movement will not prejudge the Commission’s formal position or the outcome of any legal process.
“Our confidence rests on the importance of due process, the presentation of verifiable evidence and the lawful remedies available to the party,” Mohammed said.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement, in the statement, also called on its members and supporters of the NDC to be calm and law abiding.
According to Mohammed, supporters of the NDC should not allow the development to distract them from their lawful political activities while the leadership of party continue to follow lawful means to address the situation.
“We urge our members and supporters not to allow this development to distract them from their lawful political activities. There is no need for panic, confrontation or the circulation of unverified information.
“The leadership of the Movement will continue to monitor developments and communicate verified information as it becomes available.
“The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains committed to constitutional democracy, electoral justice and respect for the rule of law. We expect all relevant institutions to discharge their responsibilities fairly, transparently and in accordance with the Electoral Act,” he said.
The movement therefore called on INEC to clarify the circumstances surrounding the omission without unnecessary delay, calling on the NDC leadership to pursue the available administrative and legal remedies within the prescribed period.
“Our message to our supporters is simple: remain calm, remain law-abiding and remain confident in the lawful process.
“We understand the concerns and anxiety this development has generated among our supporters.
“We therefore appeal to everyone to remain calm, exercise restraint and refrain from speculation while the matter is being addressed through the appropriate administrative and legal channels.
“We will pursue this matter through the appropriate channels, guided by evidence, the law and our commitment to democratic principles,” he said.
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