APC Accuses Kwankwaso of Plotting to Rule Kano by Proxy After Sons Nomination

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has accused Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of attempting to exert control over the state’s political landscape by proxy, following the nomination of his son, Mustapha Kwankwaso, as the deputy governorship candidate for the New Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 elections. The APC made the allegation after the NDC officially unveiled Mustapha as the running mate to its governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, in a move that has reignited political tensions in the northern state. Mustapha, who previously served as Commissioner for Youth and Sports under the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, resigned alongside three other commissioners when Yusuf realigned with the APC earlier this year.

Kano APC Chairman, Umar Haruna Doguwa, stated that the party was not surprised by Mustapha’s nomination, describing it as a continuation of Kwankwaso’s long-standing ambition to maintain influence over Kano’s leadership. Doguwa emphasized that the APC has long been aware of Kwankwaso’s efforts to extend his political tenure beyond constitutional limits, including past attempts to pursue a third term through legal means. “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. 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 said.

He further argued that appointing his biological son as deputy governor is a strategic move to consolidate power and lay the groundwork for future political dominance. “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,” Doguwa added. Despite the allegations, the APC chairman dismissed concerns about the NDC’s candidate lineup, asserting that the ruling party remains confident and focused on its own campaign strategy for the 2027 polls.

Meanwhile, the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which has been a key political force in Kano and has long been associated with Kwankwaso, has vowed to reclaim power in the state. This pledge comes after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s defection to the APC, a move Kwankwaso has publicly condemned as a betrayal. The political realignment has deepened divisions within Kano’s political class, with both the APC and the NDC positioning themselves for a fierce contest in the upcoming elections. As the 2027 governorship race approaches, the nomination of Mustapha Kwankwaso is likely to intensify scrutiny over dynastic politics and power succession in one of Nigeria’s most populous and politically significant states.