Political Twist in Kano as Ganduje’s Son Picks NDC Nomination Form for Reps Seat

Political Twist in Kano as Ganduje’s Son Picks NDC Nomination Form for Reps Seat

In what appears to be a major political development in Kano State, AbdulAziz Abdullahi Umar Ganduje , son of former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje , has purchased a nomination form to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado Federal Constituency under the platform of the New Democratic Coalition (NDC) . AbdulAziz, who reportedly parted political ways with his family and aligned himself with the political camp of former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso , was seen in a viral video clip explaining his political mission to Kwankwaso, further fueling speculations about his growing ties with the opposition political movement in Kano . Political observers describe the development as a dramatic twist ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially given the long-standing rivalry between the APC and Kwankwaso’s political structure in the state, which has dominated Kano’s political landscape for over two decades .

The move is being viewed as a significant twist in Kano’s evolving political landscape, particularly notable because AbdulAziz’s surprise alignment with Kwankwaso comes after earlier signs of political realignment. In February 2026, AbdulAziz paid a surprise visit to Kwankwaso at his private residence in Kano, where photographs shared on social media showed him decked in the Kwankwasiyya movement ‘s trademark white and red colours, being warmly received by the former governor . That visit, which sparked serious debates among political observers and sent shockwaves through the Ganduje political camp, appears to have been a prelude to his current decision to contest under the NDC platform . With the latest development, AbdulAziz is expected to face the APC candidate in what is already being described as one of the most anticipated and fiercely contested House of Representatives races in Kano ahead of the 2027 elections, a contest that pits son against his father’s political legacy .

The New Democratic Coalition (NDC), which Kwankwaso recently joined after defecting from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has continued to gain political momentum across Kano State, attracting supporters and key political figures ahead of the polls. The NDC’s growing influence was further demonstrated on Thursday, May 21, 2026, when a member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Gwale Constituency, Hon. Abdulmajid Isa Umar Mai Rigar Fata , defected from the APC to the NDC . The lawmaker, who represents Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s home constituency, was formally received by Kwankwaso at his Maitama residence in Abuja alongside other political figures including former Vice Chairman of Gwale Local Government, Hon. Kabiru Sani Auwal Obi, and Malam Mahadi Isa Umar, signaling the NDC’s growing appeal among elected officials in Kano.

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Mai Rigar Fata’s defection is particularly significant as he was first elected into the Kano State House of Assembly in 2023 on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), widely associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement led by Kwankwaso . He later defected alongside Governor Yusuf to the APC, but his latest move followed his inability to secure the APC ticket to seek re-election to the Assembly . His return to Kwankwaso’s political camp is expected to further reshape political dynamics in Gwale, one of the key local government areas in Kano State, and demonstrates the fluidity of political alliances in the state . These defections suggest that the NDC is emerging as a significant alternative political platform for politicians dissatisfied with the major parties ahead of 2027, potentially positioning itself as a formidable third force in Kano politics .

The Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado federal constituency , which AbdulAziz seeks to represent, is regarded as politically strategic in Kano, with both the APC and NDC expected to deploy strong grassroots mobilization ahead of the elections . The constituency has historically produced notable political figures, including the late Danmasanin Kano, Dr. Yusuf Maitama Sule; the late Dr. Maikano Rabiu; and the late Mustapha Janguza, making it one of the most prestigious political seats in the state . Currently, the constituency is represented by Hon. Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe , who is serving his fifth term in the House of Representatives and is reportedly seeking a sixth term, a testament to his political resilience and grassroots support over nearly two decades in office .

However, Jobe has faced significant political headwinds that could make his re-election bid challenging. In February 2026, he was booed and hurriedly escorted out of the APC ward congress in Tofa Local Government Area following protests by aggrieved youths, with viral video clips showing supporters chanting disapproval while confronting the lawmaker . Some aggrieved community members have criticized Jobe’s legislative record, alleging that he sponsored only one bill during his 19 years in the National Assembly, raising questions about his effectiveness as a representative . These criticisms could provide an opening for AbdulAziz Ganduje, who is banking on his youth appeal and connection to the Kwankwasiyya movement’s grassroots network to unseat the veteran incumbent .

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Analysts believe AbdulAziz’s decision to contest under the emerging political platform could further reshape alliances within Kano politics and intensify competition in the Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado constituency. The development came barely hours after a Federal High Court ruling that struck down aspects of the electoral guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a judgment many political stakeholders believe could ease restrictions on politicians seeking alternative platforms . Reacting to the ruling, the spokesman for the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, predicted a wave of defections from the APC, stating, “We believed at the time that that particular restriction was designed to prevent people from leaving the ruling party, APC. Now that the court has ruled against it, we are sure that, in the coming days, we will witness a mass exodus from the ruling party” . This legal development could further accelerate political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections .

The development also comes amid heightened political tensions between the Ganduje and Kwankwaso camps, two political titans who have dominated Kano politics for decades. The elder Ganduje, who served two terms as governor of Kano from 2015 to 2023, has been actively working to strengthen the APC’s position in the state ahead of 2027, boasting that President Bola Tinubu’s re-election is certain and that Governor Abba Yusuf would also be re-elected on the APC platform . Ganduje has described Kwankwaso as “a bird hopping from one tree to another,” insisting that his political influence is already weakening, a characterization that Kwankwaso’s camp has vehemently rejected . He has also expressed confidence that the APC can defeat Kwankwaso in Kano with the backing of Governor Yusuf, who defected to the APC earlier this year in a move that shocked many political observers .

However, the defection of his own son to the Kwankwaso camp represents a deeply personal political setback for the former APC National Chairman and underscores the intensifying political realignments currently shaping Kano politics ahead of the 2027 polls, where the state is expected to be one of Nigeria’s fiercest political battlefields. The move has drawn sharp reactions from political observers and party loyalists on both sides of the Kano political divide. While some see AbdulAziz’s move as a bold political calculation that could pay dividends given Kwankwaso’s grassroots appeal, others view it as a betrayal of his family’s political legacy. Regardless of the interpretation, the Ganduje family’s political dynasty now appears to be fractured, with father and son potentially backing opposing candidates in the same constituency .

As the 2027 elections approach, AbdulAziz Ganduje’s candidacy under the NDC banner sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most closely watched House of Representatives contests in Kano State. The race will pit the son of one of Kano’s most prominent political figures against the APC candidate in a constituency that has long been a political stronghold. Whether this move signals deeper cracks within the Ganduje political structure or represents a calculated gamble by a young politician seeking to carve his own path remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the political landscape of Kano State is shifting, and all eyes will be on the Dawakin Tofa/Tofa/Rimin Gado constituency when voters go to the polls in 2027 . The outcome of this contest could have broader implications for the balance of power in Kano and beyond, potentially reshaping alliances and influencing the direction of the state’s politics for years to come.

Political Twist in Kano as Ganduje’s Son Picks NDC Nomination Form for Reps Seat