Kano APC: Rejects Kwankwaso NDC Candidate Allegation on INEC List

• Kano APC dismissed Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso's claim that the party and Governor Abba Yusuf omitted an NDC candidate's name from the INEC list.
• The APC stated the allegation, concerning Aminu Abdussalam-Gwarzo, is false and an attempt at political blackmail.
• The party asserted that the legal proceedings originated from an internal crisis within the Nigeria Democratic Congress itself.
• The APC chairman challenged Kwankwaso to provide credible evidence linking the APC or Governor Yusuf to the case.
• The APC reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and judicial independence, denying any involvement in the NDC's internal legal battle.

The APC chairman challenged Kwankwaso to produce concrete and verifiable evidence that could substantiate his claims linking the APC or Governor Yusuf to the legal proceedings.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State has firmly rejected claims made by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, who alleged that the party and Governor Abba Yusuf were responsible for the omission of a Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate's name from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) list. The specific candidate at the center of this controversy is Aminu Abdussalam-Gwarzo. This Kano APC Kwankwaso NDC candidate allegation was publicly dismissed by Alhaji Umar Haruna-Doguwa, the Chairman of the APC in Kano State, in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

Haruna-Doguwa characterized Kwankwaso's accusation as entirely unfounded and a deliberate attempt to discredit the APC and its gubernatorial candidate. The party maintains that neither it nor Governor Yusuf played any role in the alleged removal of the Aminu Abdussalam-Gwarzo INEC list entry. The APC chairman emphasized that such assertions are misleading and designed to divert public attention from the actual origins of the issue.

According to the APC, the situation surrounding the Gov Abba Yusuf NDC candidate's name on the INEC list stems from an internal conflict within the Nigeria Democratic Congress itself. The party clarified that the legal proceedings concerning Abdussalam-Gwarzo were initiated by members of the NDC against their own party, rather than by the APC, its governorship candidate, or the Kano State Government. This crucial detail underscores the APC's argument that the Nigeria Democratic Congress internal crisis is the root cause, not any external interference.

The APC leadership explicitly stated that it has no involvement whatsoever in the ongoing legal actions. They further asserted that neither the party nor its gubernatorial candidate sponsored, influenced, or facilitated the court case brought against Abdussalam-Gwarzo. The party views any effort to link them to this matter as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts, aimed at creating an unwarranted Kano APC electoral dispute.

Alhaji Haruna-Doguwa did not mince words, describing Senator Kwankwaso's allegations as an "unfortunate attempt at political blackmail." This accusation carries significant weight, particularly given that Senator Kwankwaso himself holds the position of Vice-Presidential candidate for the NDC. The APC chairman challenged Kwankwaso to produce concrete and verifiable evidence that could substantiate his claims linking the APC or Governor Yusuf to the legal proceedings.

The APC emphasized the independence of the judiciary, stating unequivocally that neither the party nor its governorship candidate possesses the authority to dictate the course or outcome of judicial processes. They warned that such unsubstantiated allegations risk misleading the public and unnecessarily escalating political tensions within the state. The party urged the public to disregard these attempts to associate the APC and its candidate with the NDC's internal legal struggles.

Reaffirming its dedication to democratic values, the APC stated its commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. The party welcomed the participation of all opposition parties in the upcoming 2027 general elections, asserting that it has no motive to conspire against any political entity or candidate. Haruna-Doguwa underscored that every eligible candidate is constitutionally entitled to participate in the elections, in full compliance with existing laws.

The APC reiterated its stance that neither the party nor its candidate had any direct or indirect involvement in the proceedings or any decisions pertaining to the NDC's candidate. This firm declaration aims to dispel any lingering doubts about their non-involvement and to reinforce their position as a party that respects the electoral framework and the rights of all participants.

This article highlights the legal and reputational risks associated with internal party disputes and candidate nomination processes, particularly how they can lead to public allegations and legal challenges. Lawyers advising political parties or candidates should ensure robust internal dispute resolution mechanisms are in place and meticulously comply with electoral body requirements to mitigate such exposures.

Source: Original reporting via News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)