INEC Controversy Boosted Our Popularity, Attracted More Supporters – Gwarzo

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

Gwarzo said the restoration of his name on the commission’s list following reports that INEC had cleared him and the party’s governorship candidate in Gombe State, Professor Pantami, vindicated the NDC’s position that it complied with all electoral requirements.

His spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, made this known while reacting to the development, saying the party was never intimidated by the initial omission because it followed all stipulated procedures.

He said the party conducted its membership registration, primary election and submission of the candidate’s particulars in accordance with relevant electoral guidelines.

According to him, the controversy, which some had expected to weaken the party, instead generated public interest, sympathy and increased support for the NDC.

“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,” he said.

Shuaibu added that the restoration of Gwarzo’s name had reinforced the party’s confidence in the electoral process and strengthened its resolve to contest the 2027 election.

He maintained that the development would not distract the party from its political activities, noting that its priority remained grassroots mobilisation and engagement with residents across the 44 local government areas of the state.

The spokesperson further urged supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and committed to democratic participation, stressing that the party would continue to pursue its political ambitions through lawful means.

He expressed confidence that the NDC would consolidate its growing support base and remain focused on presenting its vision for Kano State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.