KANO — Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso has been announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mustapha is the son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a leading figure in the party and former governor of Kano State.

The announcement comes amid ongoing political realignments within the NDC in Kano. The party recently unveiled Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo as its governorship candidate for the state, following consultations among party stakeholders.  

Political observers say the emergence of Mustapha Kwankwaso as running mate is expected to generate discussions within Kano’s political landscape, given his family ties to the influential Kwankwasiyya movement led by his father.

The NDC has continued to position itself as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 elections, with the party’s leadership expressing confidence in its chances across key states, including Kano.  

Party officials are expected to provide further details on the candidature and campaign strategy in the coming days.

Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, has firmly stated that the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, exerts no influence on party decisions or candidate selections.

Umeh made the clarification on Monday during an interview, while addressing speculations and allegations that he was involved in influencing positions within the party.

The NDC has come under heavy criticism following its recently concluded primary elections across the country. In response to claims linking Obi to the process, Umeh distanced the former Anambra governor from any involvement.

“Peter Obi has not been involved in influencing who becomes what in the NDC. He’s somebody whom you can hardly see drag into a process like this,” Senator Umeh said.

He added that in Obi’s local government area, residents are fully aware of developments and do not require directives from him on whom to support.

Umeh attributed his own decision to join the NDC to the party’s leadership under Senator Seriake Dickson. “It’s because he’s the chairman or the leader of that party that made us join the party, because I work with him in the Senate, and I know his character. I know he stands on national issues,” he explained.

The senator noted that the entry of Peter Obi and former Kano Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso into the NDC triggered a surge of aspirants seeking various positions. He dismissed complaints of extortion during the primaries, saying those making the claims were attempting to manipulate the process and ultimately “had their fingers burnt.”

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has alleged that some persons are sponsoring insecurity to distract President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign for Local Government Council elections in Edo South Senatorial District, the governor said, “They can even kidnap all of us—yes, there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.”

He said insecurity had suddenly increased in the country, alleging that it is being orchestrated to tarnish the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

Okpebholo said promoting insecurity would not guarantee the perpetrators seats in the Senate, House of Representatives, or the presidency, as there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.

“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock. What is happening today is the handiwork of the opposition.”

“They have failed. Have they not failed? Is it by kidnapping children? Then who are you going to govern? There will be nobody for you to govern. So let them give us peace so that we can rule well,” Okpebholo said.

The governor said the President had done more for the country than his predecessors.

He noted that the impact of removal of the fuel subsidy had been seen and felt in various projects dotting the state.

He commended those, who scaled through the party’s primary election to emerge as candidates for the forthcoming council elections.

He said their victories would signal the possibility of delivering the 2.5 million votes pledged to President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking also, the party’s chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, described the APC as the only viable party in the state.

He urged the candidates to take the message of the governor’s developmental strides to the nooks and crannies of the state, and to replicate it in their various local government areas.

Highpoint of the event was the official unveiling of the Edo South candidates of the party by the governor, including Ogbeide Ihama as – senate, Dr Paddy Iyamu -Oredo federal constituency, Omorede Igbinedion -and Ovia Federal constituency among others.