The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kano State has accused Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of plotting to rule the state by proxy, following the nomination of his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, as the NDC deputy governorship candidate for 2027.
The allegation came after the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, unveiled Mustapha as running mate to governorship candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo ahead of the 2027 polls.
Mustapha, a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, resigned alongside three other commissioners after the governor realigned with the APC.
Reacting to the development, Kano APC Chairman Umar Haruna Doguwa said the party was not surprised by Mustapha’s nomination. He described it as evidence of Kwankwaso’s long-standing bid to retain control of the state.
“APC is not surprised by the nomination of Kwankwaso’s son Mustapha as running mate to Aminu Abdussalam in the NDC. In fact, we expect more from him. Those of us close to Kwankwaso know he tried everything possible to secure a third term in office,” Doguwa said.
He alleged that the former governor previously explored legal avenues to extend his tenure beyond constitutional limits, and claimed Mustapha’s nomination was another attempt to pursue that agenda.
“Imposing his biological son as deputy governorship candidate is an opportunity to hatch that plan. Given more chances, Kwankwaso will do more,” Doguwa added.
The APC chairman dismissed suggestions that the party was rattled by the move, insisting it remained confident ahead of 2027.
Meanwhile, the Kwankwasiyya Movement has vowed to reclaim power in Kano after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf defected to the APC — a move Kwankwaso has called a betrayal.