By Suleiman Abdussalam 

The governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has selected Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement was confirmed on Monday by Kwankwasiyya spokesperson Habibu Saleh Mohammed.

Mustapha, the son of former Kano governor and presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, previously served as Kano State Commissioner for Youths and Sports.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has unveiled Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso as the running mate to its Kano State governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The announcement was confirmed in a brief statement by Habibu Saleh Mohammed, spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

According to the statement, Gwarzo formally presented Mustapha as his deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming election.

Mustapha is the biological son of former Kano State governor and influential northern politician, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Before his nomination, Mustapha served as Commissioner for Youths and Sports under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

His departure from the state cabinet followed political disagreements that emerged after Governor Yusuf reportedly fell out with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Upon resigning from office, Mustapha said he made the decision with a "heavy heart" and expressed appreciation to Governor Yusuf for the opportunity to serve Kano residents.

He also acknowledged the experiences gained while serving in government and voiced hope that youth-focused initiatives and sports development programmes in the state would continue to receive support.

The latest development positions Mustapha for a prominent role in Kano's evolving political landscape as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.