The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly excluded Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kano State, from its final list of candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development represents a setback for the opposition party as it prepares for the next electoral cycle. Gwarzo, a former deputy governor of Kano State, was selected as the NDC’s candidate following his move to the party earlier in 2026.
According to a report published by Legit.ng on October 10, 2026, INEC left Gwarzo’s name off its final list of governorship candidates. The commission had not publicly disclosed the specific reason for the decision at the time of the report.
Supreme Court Ruling Raises Questions Over Candidate Eligibility
The reported exclusion has been linked to a Supreme Court ruling in the case of INEC v. Zenith Labour Party, which addressed requirements under Section 77 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The ruling reaffirmed the requirement for political parties to submit their membership registers to INEC at least 21 days before conducting primaries, congresses or conventions.
Under the provision described in the report, candidates must satisfy the applicable membership requirements to participate in party primaries. Failure to comply with the statutory conditions can create legal challenges over the validity of a party’s nomination process.
However, INEC has not publicly confirmed that this provision was the specific reason for excluding Gwarzo. The connection should therefore be treated as a reported explanation rather than an established statement from the commission.
Who Is Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo?
Gwarzo served as deputy governor of Kano State before resigning in March 2026 following political disagreements with Governor Abba Yusuf, including tensions surrounding Yusuf’s move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He subsequently joined the NDC, where his candidacy became part of the party’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election. His nomination was announced by former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in May 2026.
Gwarzo’s exclusion from INEC’s final list could complicate the NDC’s electoral plans in Kano, although the available report does not establish whether the party has initiated a legal challenge or whether the commission will review its decision.
What the Development Means for the NDC
The reported decision raises questions about the NDC’s next steps as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
The party may need to clarify Gwarzo’s status, explain whether it intends to challenge the exclusion and establish whether any remedy is available under the applicable electoral laws.
For now, the central issue is the basis for INEC’s decision. Until the commission provides an official explanation or further legal developments clarify the matter, claims about the precise reason for the exclusion should be treated with caution.
The situation adds to the political and legal challenges surrounding candidate nominations ahead of the 2027 elections, with compliance with electoral laws remaining essential for parties seeking to field candidates.