2027: Kwankwaso’s son was not imposed on Gwarzo – Spokesman

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has defended the emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, insisting that he was personally chosen by the party’s governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.

The movement also dismissed allegations of nepotism surrounding the nomination of Mustapha, the son of NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, the spokesperson of the movement, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, said critics, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were entitled to their opinions but maintained that the process that produced Mustapha was transparent and democratic.

According to him, Gwarzo exercised his constitutional right as governorship candidate to select a running mate and eventually settled for Mustapha after consultations with party stakeholders.

“It was Gwarzo who made the choice. He made it clear that this was the person he wanted to work with,” Mohammed said.

He revealed that contrary to public perception, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was initially reluctant to support the nomination of his son.

According to him, Mustapha’s name was first presented to party leaders by stakeholders, but Kwankwaso did not immediately endorse the idea.

“When Mustapha was first presented, our national leader vehemently refused. It was the candidate himself who took the responsibility of convincing him,” Mohammed said.

The spokesman explained that Mustapha eventually emerged after a series of consultations and endorsements at the grassroots level.

He said aspirants seeking party tickets were directed to return to their local government areas to obtain the support of stakeholders before being considered.

Mohammed argued that those who followed the process secured nominations, while others who focused on lobbying party leaders at the centre were unsuccessful.

He further stated that Mustapha’s experience as former Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, as well as his involvement in youth empowerment initiatives, influenced Gwarzo’s decision.

“One of the reasons cited by Gwarzo was the need to carry the youth along. He believes that while he has the experience and wisdom, working with someone younger will bring fresh ideas and strengthen inclusivity,” he said.

The spokesperson maintained that Mustapha’s emergence was based on merit and due process rather than family connections.

“This is the true position of how Mustapha emerged. He was nominated through the party process and eventually chosen by the candidate, not imposed by anyone,” Mohammed added.

Mustapha’s nomination has generated mixed reactions in political circles, with supporters describing it as a boost for youth participation in politics, while critics have accused the party of promoting political dynasty.