The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed suggestions of a disagreement within its ranks over the sharing of political positions ahead of the 2027 elections in Kano State, insisting that all decisions were reached through mutual understanding and accepted by those involved.
The clarification followed the emergence of former Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam, as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, for the 2027 election. His nomination was finalized through a consensus arrangement concluded on Thursday night and formally announced on Friday.
As part of the same agreement, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, the former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2023 election and a recent entrant into the NDC, was selected as the party’s candidate for the Kano Central Senatorial District.
Gawuna had initially sought the governorship ticket but later accepted the senatorial position under the arrangement reached by party stakeholders. The seat is currently occupied by Senator Rufai Sani Hanga.
Speaking with Zoyols News, the spokesperson of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habib Saleh Mailemo, rejected claims that the outcome of the consensus process created tension within the movement.
According to him, the organization remains united and has established mechanisms for resolving issues relating to political ambitions and leadership positions.
He explained that shortly after the return of the movement’s national leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, consultations were held and consensus candidates were agreed upon for major elective positions, including those for governor, senator, state assembly and the House of Representatives.
Mailemo noted that while some observers may view the process as difficult or even controversial, members of the movement are fully aware of every stage of the discussions before decisions are reached.
He maintained that the selection of Abdulsalam as the governorship candidate was smooth and transparent, stressing that Gawuna was actively involved throughout the entire process.
According to him, there was never a point when Gawuna rejected the arrangement. Rather, he requested some time to reflect and consult with associates before making his final position known.
Mailemo said such a response was understandable, considering that Gawuna had been pursuing the governorship ticket and needed time to weigh the new development.
He added that after those consultations, Gawuna returned and formally accepted the decision reached by the movement.
The Kwankwasiyya spokesperson also dismissed reports that Senator Rufai Sani Hanga was unhappy with the arrangement. He said Hanga understood the decision and fully supported the consensus reached by party leaders.
According to him, the willingness of both Gawuna and Hanga to embrace the outcome demonstrates the discipline, unity and shared purpose that continue to define the movement.
He said members remain committed to working together toward their collective goals, particularly the promotion of social justice and the protection of ordinary citizens.
Abdulsalam’s emergence as the NDC governorship candidate comes months after his resignation as Deputy Governor of Kano State in March. His departure followed a political disagreement with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after the governor’s defection to the APC in January. The resignation also came shortly after the Kano State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against him.
