The Kwankwasiyya Movement has rejected accusations of nepotism in the selection of Mustapha Kwankwaso as the deputy governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State, stressing that the decision was made solely by the party’s governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Wednesday, the movement’s spokesperson, Habeeb Saleh Mohammed, said Mustapha’s emergence followed due process and internal democratic mechanisms, dismissing criticisms especially from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as politically motivated.
“First, I will not have wanted to react to the reaction of APC or anybody from APC on issues regarding the choice of the deputy governor here in Kano,” Mohammed said. “Because whoever we choose, they will end up having one or two things to say. That is normal in politics.”
Mustapha Kwankwaso, the first son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (NDC’s vice-presidential candidate), was announced on Monday as Gwarzo’s running mate. He previously served as Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Kano State under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The nomination has sparked mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a move to promote youth inclusion, while critics accuse the elder Kwankwaso of attempting to rule by proxy through his son.
Background and ProcessMohammed provided context, revealing that the NDC had initially approached Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to join the party while establishing its presence in Kano. Kwankwaso declined, having already committed to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The party then proposed fielding his son, including an offer to make him governor, which was also rejected.
“He told them clearly that he is not the kind of person who will be in one party and send his own child to another party for whatever reason,” Mohammed explained.Subsequent political realignments, including challenges within the ADC, paved the way for collaboration between Kwankwasiyya elements and the NDC, in alliance with its presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
On the selection process, Mohammed insisted it was grassroots-driven rather than imposed. Aspirants were directed to return to their local governments for stakeholder consultations and screening. Those who followed this route succeeded, while those who lobbied centrally failed.
After Gwarzo secured the governorship ticket, he exercised his right to choose a running mate, presenting Mustapha to stakeholders. Mohammed noted that Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso initially opposed the idea, but Gwarzo personally convinced him, describing Mustapha as his preferred choice based on competence and youth representation.
“One of the reasons cited by Gwarzo was the need to carry the youth along. Mustapha has served as commissioner for youth, runs his own business, and has programmes aimed at empowering young people,” Mohammed said.
“He (Gwarzo) believes that while he has the experience and wisdom, working with someone younger will bring fresh ideas and strengthen inclusivity.”The spokesperson concluded that the process demonstrated internal democracy, with Mustapha emerging through stakeholder nominations and the candidate’s final decision.
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