Bashir Ahmad Labels Kwankwasos Son as Politically Unwise Choice for NDC Kano Guber Running Mate

A former media aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has criticized the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for selecting Mustapha Kwankwaso, son of presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso, as its governorship running mate in Kano State. Ahmad described the move as politically unwise and strategically flawed, warning that it could undermine the party’s credibility and electoral prospects. The decision, made during the party’s internal preparations for the 2027 general elections, has sparked debate among political observers and former allies.

Ahmad expressed his concerns on social media platform X, stating that it is “politically unwise and strategically miscalculated for the NDC as a party to field a father as its vice presidential candidate while simultaneously selecting his son as its deputy governorship candidate in Kano at the same election cycle.” He argued that such a family-based ticket could raise questions about fairness, transparency, and the party’s commitment to merit-based nominations. The criticism comes amid growing scrutiny over the NDC’s candidate selection process and its broader strategy for the upcoming elections.

Mustapha Kwankwaso is the son of Rabiu Kwankwaso, who is currently the NDC’s presidential running mate. The party’s governorship candidate in Kano State is Aminu Gwarzo, a former deputy governor who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a fallout with Governor Abba Yusuf. Gwarzo’s emergence as the consensus candidate followed a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Rabiu Kwankwaso in May. His appointment was seen as a strategic move to consolidate support within the party and appeal to voters in Kano, a key political battleground.

Gwarzo’s resignation from the APC and subsequent switch to the NDC marked a significant shift in Kano’s political landscape. His defection was driven by disagreements with the APC leadership, which he claimed hindered his ability to serve effectively. Since joining the NDC, he has been positioned as a unifying figure, with party leaders hoping his experience and popularity will help attract votes from across the political spectrum. However, the inclusion of Mustapha Kwankwaso as his running mate has drawn criticism, with some arguing it may alienate voters who perceive the ticket as favoring family connections over competence.

The NDC’s decision to field both Kwankwaso and his son in high-profile positions within the same election cycle has raised eyebrows among analysts. While the party maintains that the choices reflect internal consensus and strategic planning, critics like Bashir Ahmad argue that such moves risk damaging public trust. The 2027 elections are expected to be highly competitive, and the NDC’s ability to present a credible, inclusive, and transparent ticket will be crucial to its success. As the party prepares for the next phase of its campaign, the controversy surrounding Mustapha Kwankwaso’s nomination will likely remain a topic of discussion in political circles across Nigeria.