Kwankwasiyya clears air, says Gawuna accepted Kano NDC 2027 ticket arrangement, denies internal rift

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has rejected claims of internal crisis over the sharing of political positions ahead of the 2027 elections in Kano State, insisting that all decisions were reached through consensus and accepted by major stakeholders within the group.

The clarification follows the emergence of Aminu Abdulsalam, a former deputy governor of Kano State, as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election after a consensus agreement concluded on Thursday night.

Under the same arrangement, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 election who recently defected to the NDC, emerged as the party’s senatorial candidate for Kano Central.

Gawuna, who had initially sought the NDC governorship ticket, will now contest for the Kano Central Senate seat currently occupied by Senator Rufai Sani Hanga.

Speaking in an interview, Habib Saleh Mailemo, the spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, dismissed reports of disagreement within the movement over the outcome of the consensus process.

According to him, the Kwankwasiyya Movement remains a disciplined political structure with established methods for resolving issues related to political contests and leadership positions.

He revealed that within 48 hours of the return of the movement’s leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, consensus candidates were selected for governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly positions.

Mailemo explained that although outsiders may interpret the process as complicated or manipulated, members of the movement are fully informed and involved throughout the decision-making stages.

He maintained that the emergence of Abdulsalam as the governorship candidate was smooth and transparent, stressing that Gawuna participated fully in the consultations and final decisions.

He also dismissed speculation that Gawuna rejected the arrangement or refused to step down for Abdulsalam, stating that no such declaration was ever made by the former APC governorship candidate or his associates.

According to him, Gawuna merely requested time to consult with supporters and reflect on the decision before eventually accepting the consensus outcome.

Mailemo further disclosed that Senator Rufai Sani Hanga also supported the arrangement and was not displeased with the decision to field Gawuna for the Kano Central senatorial seat.

He said the actions of both Gawuna and Hanga demonstrate the unity, discipline, and collective commitment within the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

The spokesperson added that the movement remains united in its mission of promoting social justice and protecting the interests of ordinary people.

Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo had resigned as Kano State Deputy Governor in March following a political disagreement with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after the governor’s defection to the APC earlier in the year. His resignation came shortly after the Kano State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against him.