Electoral Fury: Kwankwasiyya Group Slams INEC Over Blocked Candidates

A support group affiliated with the Kwankwasiyya Movement, known as Kwankwasiyya Amana X (KAX), has strongly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its ongoing failure to include the National Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Kano State, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, and other party candidates on its official published list. In a statement released on Tuesday, KAX highlighted that a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the NDC on October 14, 2026, had elapsed by October 17, 2026, without any of the omitted names being reinstated. As of October 20, 2026, no corrective action had been taken, prompting KAX to express deep concern over INEC's continued silence and inaction.

KAX emphasized that three days after the deadline, INEC's failure to address the matter remains unacceptable, raising significant questions about the commission's transparency, responsiveness, and commitment to ensuring electoral fairness. The controversy stems from the publication of INEC’s final list of governorship candidates for the 2027 elections, which reportedly excluded Gwarzo and his running mate from the Kano State section, despite their due nomination.

The group also referenced a protest that took place on October 16, 2026, at INEC's Kano State headquarters. This demonstration, organized by the Kwankwasiyya Movement and led by NDC Deputy Governorship Candidate Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, was held to demand the immediate reinstatement of Gwarzo and all other omitted candidates. During the protest, Abdu Zango, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kano State, acknowledged receipt of the protesters' petition and assured them that it would be forwarded to the national headquarters for consideration. He further noted that an appeal window would remain open until October 24, 2026.

Despite INEC's response, KAX reiterated its urgent call for the commission to promptly rectify its published list. They demanded the reinstatement of all duly nominated NDC candidates whose names were excluded and a public clarification regarding the specific reasons for these omissions. KAX issued a stern warning, cautioning that any further delays could severely undermine public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process. The group concluded by urging INEC to act swiftly, transparently, and strictly in accordance with electoral laws to prevent erosion of trust.