The nomination of Mustapha Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Kano State has sparked intense political debate over merit, legacy, and the ideological future of the Kwankwasiyya movement.
On Monday, the party announced Mustapha Kwankwaso, the first son of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as running mate to governorship candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo. Before his nomination, Mustapha served as Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Kano State under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The development has generated mixed reactions across political circles and social media, with supporters defending the decision as a recognition of youth capacity, while critics have raised concerns over political succession and favoritism.
Vice President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, NPSA, Prof. Murtala Muhammad, said the controversy reflects deeper questions about the identity and future of the Kwankwasiyya movement, long associated with populism, inclusion, and grassroots empowerment.
According to him, the issue is less about legality and more about political symbolism and public perception.
“The challenge now is one of political perception. Supporters who have defended Kwankwasiyya as a movement of the common people may struggle to reconcile that narrative with a decision that appears to favour lineage over broader competition among qualified party loyalists,” he said.
He argued that the office of deputy governor requires strong administrative competence, political maturity, and experience, especially in a politically significant state like Kano.
“The office of deputy governor is a strategic position that requires administrative competence, political maturity, crisis management skills and the ability to navigate complex governmental and party structures,” he said.
Muhammad stressed that Kano’s status as Northern Nigeria’s political nerve centre and one of the country’s major commercial hubs makes leadership experience even more crucial.
He noted that many critics believe there are more experienced politicians within the Kwankwasiyya movement who possess stronger records in public service and party organization.
“Whether this perception is accurate or not, it has become a major element of the public debate,” he observed.
Muhammad added that the implications may extend beyond the 2027 election.
“Political opponents are already likely to portray the nomination as evidence of a shift from a mass based populist movement to a more personalized political structure,” he stated.
“Politics is judged not only by achievements but also by symbols. The enduring appeal of Kwankwaso has been his association with the aspirations of ordinary citizens and the belief that leadership should be accessible to all. Whether this nomination strengthens or weakens that legacy remains to be seen,” Prof. Muhammad added.
Similarly, veteran journalist and publisher of Daily Nigerian, Jaafar Jaafar, also criticized the nomination, describing the deputy governorship position as too sensitive to be determined without adequate consideration of competence and experience.
In a Facebook post, Jaafar wrote, “The office of deputy governor is not something to be taken lightly. If, God forbid, a governor dies in office, the deputy governor is sworn in to take over. It is a position that has been occupied by experienced individuals such as BB Faruk, Audu Dawakin Tofa, Wada Abubakar, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, and others.”
He further argued that the nomination contradicts the values traditionally associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement.
“In all honesty, selecting Mustapha as deputy governor goes against the core principles of the Kwankwasiyya movement,” he stated.
Jaafar also questioned Mustapha’s readiness for the role, insisting that comparisons with more experienced political figures are misplaced.
“It is not my intention to disparage Mustapha, but anyone who knows him knows that he is not qualified for this highly important office,” he added.
He further claimed that Mustapha had not previously handled major responsibilities, even in personal or business matters connected to Kwankwaso.
“Even Kwankwaso himself has never entrusted Mustapha with managing any of his business ventures… yet today he is being considered for a position that could require him to manage the resources and welfare of millions of people,” he stated.
However, supporters of the nomination argue that critics are overlooking the importance of youth inclusion in governance.
Political commentator Hassan Garba Baraya defended the nomination, arguing that experience alone should not determine suitability for public office.
In translated remarks shared on Facebook, he said, “Even individuals with strong capacity and experience, such as Engineer Mu’azu Magaji (Dan Sarauniya), were previously removed from office by former Governor Ganduje over alleged poor performance and inexperience. Meanwhile, despite concerns raised about capacity, individuals like Murtala Garo were given significant responsibilities within the same administration.”
According to him, leadership opportunities often reveal unexpected strengths when younger individuals are given responsibility.
Baraya said he fully supports Mustapha Kwankwaso’s nomination, insisting he has not seen any responsibility beyond his capability.
He argued that opposition to the nomination is largely driven by bias, adding that Mustapha’s energy and leadership potential make him suitable for the role.
Another supporter, Salees Abubakar Gwammaja, said although he generally opposes nepotism in politics, he does not consider the nomination inappropriate in the current political climate.
“Despite the fact that I am totally not in support of nepotism in politics, but in an ideal situation I didn’t see any wrong with ogah for anointing his biological son, Mustapha kwankwaso as a running mate…” he wrote.
He added that political appointments are sometimes used to reward loyalty and acknowledge contributions within political movements.
“Kwankwaso recently pushed for the sons of two deceased House of Assembly members to be given the tickets to contest for their parents seats out of regard for their loyalty. This is the definition of Kwankwasiyya,” he said.
