Hundreds of supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement on Friday submitted a protest letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kano State over the alleged omission of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, from the list of candidates released by the Commission for the 2027 general elections.
The protest, which was conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner, was led by the NDC deputy governorship candidate in Kano State, Mustapha Rabiu Lusa Kwankwaso. The Movement demanded the immediate reinstatement of its governorship candidate on the official list.
Speaking during the exercise, Kwankwaso insisted that the party had fulfilled all the requirements for the nomination of its candidates, describing the alleged exclusion as a grave injustice.
Responding to the delegation, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kano State, Abdu Zango, acknowledged receipt of the petition and explained that the Commission had provided an opportunity for affected parties to appeal until October 24.
“Basically, what they came to do is to present a complaint about the omission of their candidates. INEC has made the point very clear, the reason for the omission and the fact that there is a window of appeal up to the 24th of October,” Zango said.
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He added that the petition would be forwarded to INEC’s national headquarters for consideration and further action.
“We are very neutral. We received all the complaints,” the REC said, assuring the delegation that its petition would receive the necessary attention.
Zango also commended the Kwankwasiyya Movement for maintaining peace and order throughout the protest.
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Meanwhile, the Movement’s spokesman, Habib Mohammed, disclosed that the petition also called for an investigation into alleged forgery and collusion involving an INEC staff member.
According to him, letters allegedly bearing forged signatures were submitted to INEC’s national headquarters without proper authorisation, resulting in the reported substitution of some of the Movement’s candidates in Kano State.
“We have asked INEC to investigate the officer before taking further action,” Mohammed said.
He added that the Movement was satisfied with the assurances given by the Resident Electoral Commissioner and expressed hope that the Commission would investigate the allegations and address their concerns.
The development comes amid growing political preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the Kwankwasiyya Movement seeking the restoration of its candidate on the official list. The outcome of the petition is expected to depend on INEC’s review and any subsequent appeal process.
Cruise TV News will continue to follow developments surrounding the petition and INEC’s response.
