Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, son of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has been chosen as the deputy governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 elections in Kano State.
The decision was reached during a strategic meeting involving party stakeholders and key political figures held at the former governor’s residence along Bompai–Miller Road in Kano.
His emergence follows the earlier selection of Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as the NDC’s governorship candidate for the upcoming election. Mustapha will now join the ticket as Gwarzo’s running mate as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship race.
The development was confirmed in an official statement issued by the spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed. According to the statement, the governorship candidate formally introduced Mustapha Kwankwaso as his deputy during the stakeholders’ gathering.
Mustapha is not new to public service and political administration in Kano State. Before his emergence as deputy governorship candidate, he served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports under the state government. During his tenure, he was involved in youth-focused initiatives and sports development programmes.
However, he later stepped down from his position in the cabinet following the political changes that emerged after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf moved from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His resignation was viewed by observers as part of broader political realignments taking place within the state.
Political analysts believe the selection of Mustapha may strengthen the NDC’s grassroots appeal due to the influence of the Kwankwasiyya political movement and the longstanding presence of the Kwankwaso family in Kano politics.
With the choice of a deputy governorship candidate now concluded and candidates for other elective positions reportedly finalised, the NDC is expected to move into the next phase of its political strategy.
Party officials are anticipated to unveil a comprehensive campaign structure in the coming months while engaging stakeholders across the state to build support ahead of the 2027 elections. Consultations with party leaders, supporters and political allies are also expected to begin as preparations gather momentum.
The emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso marks another significant development in Kano’s evolving political landscape, with attention now shifting to how the party positions itself for the highly anticipated governorship contest.
