•The protesters
Supporters of the Kwankwasiyya Movement staged a peaceful protest in Kano today, demanding the reinstatement of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo.
It was earlier reported how Gwarzo’s name was missing from the list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) earlier this week.
Led by the party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, the protesters marched to INEC’s state office where they submitted a petition, reports Daily Trust.
Kwankwaso insisted that the party had complied with all regulations guiding candidate nomination, describing the exclusion as unjust.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano, Abdu Zango, acknowledged receipt of the petition and explained that the omission was for reasons already communicated, but assured that there was still a window for appeal until October 24.
He emphasised that the Commission in Kano remained neutral and commended the protesters for their orderly conduct.
“We received all the complaints and assured the delegation that their petition will receive the necessary attention. We are going to forward it to our national headquarters for consideration,” Zango said, adding that the group’s peaceful approach was commendable.
Beyond the omission, the Kwankwasiyya Movement alleged forgery and collusion by an INEC staff member.
According to the group’s spokesperson, Dr. Habib Mohammed, unauthorised letters with suspected forged signatures were submitted to INEC headquarters, leading to the substitution of some candidates.
He urged the Commission to investigate the officer involved.
“Alhamdulillah, the Resident Commissioner received us very well and assured us that he will escalate the petition to the headquarters today,” Dr. Mohammed said.
Meanwhile, Zango also spoke on the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise, which began on October 9, expressing satisfaction with the turnout and promising to extend collection points to Registration Areas for easier access.
