APC: Kwankwaso wants to rule Kano by proxy through son

The Kano State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused former governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of plotting to control the state by proxy after his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, emerged as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 election.

The NDC had unveiled Mustapha as running mate to its governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, as political realignments continue to shape the race for Kano Government House.

Mustapha, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, had resigned from the state cabinet alongside three other commissioners after Yusuf defected to the APC.

Reacting to the development, Kano APC chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa said the party was not surprised by Mustapha’s nomination, alleging that it was part of Kwankwaso’s long-standing plan to retain control of Kano politics.

“APC is not surprised with the nomination of Kwankwaso’s son, Mustapha, as running mate to Aminu Abdussalam in their NDC party. In fact, APC expects more than this from Kwankwaso,” Doguwa said.

“We know, and most of us who are very close to him know, that Kwankwaso tried all possible means to secure a third term in office.”

Doguwa further alleged that Kwankwaso had previously explored ways to remain in office beyond the constitutional limit, claiming that the nomination of his son was another move to sustain his influence in the state.

“Imposing his biological son to run as deputy governor is an opportunity to hatch the plan. Given more opportunities, Kwankwaso will do more than that,” he said.

The APC chairman dismissed suggestions that the ruling party was worried by the development, insisting that the APC remained confident of victory in the 2027 election.

Kwankwaso’s camp has, however, vowed to reclaim Kano following Governor Yusuf’s defection to the APC, a move the former governor has described as a betrayal.