INEC’s attempted setback increased our popularity, supporters – Gwarzo

Spokesperson to Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the Kano NDC governorship candidate, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, said the controversy surrounding the omission and subsequent Gwarzo’s reinstatement has strengthened the party’s popularity, rather than weakening its prospects ahead of the 2027 election.

Reacting to the restoration of the candidate’s name by INEC, Shuaibu said the party was never alarmed by the earlier development, saying it was convinced that all electoral requirements had been met.

According to him, the decision came as no surprise, as party members viewed the omission as a temporary setback that would eventually be corrected.

“We were not frightened because we followed all the laid-down procedures from party membership to the nomination process and submission of our candidate’s details,” he said.

Shuaibu argued that the episode had generated public sympathy and attracted more supporters to the party.

“What the electoral commission intended as a setback has actually worked in our favour. It has increased our supporters, strengthened our popularity and made more people identify with us,” he said.

He added that the party would continue mobilising voters and promoting its programmes across the state, expressing confidence that the development had further boosted its chances in the forthcoming governorship election.