Eniola Yekini
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has disclosed its next line of action following the omission of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, deputy governorship candidate in Kano State, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the final list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Kwankwaso and his principal, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, were omitted from the list released by INEC. The NDC has described the omission as an error and said it is seeking a correction.
Speaking on Arise Television, spokesperson for the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Habibu Mohammed, said there was no apparent reason for the omission and that the movement would engage INEC to resolve it.
“It came as a shock because there had been no issue with INEC. Kwankwaso, a former deputy governor, is registered with the NDC and met the stipulated deadline.
“Electoral provisions give candidates 14 days to seek redress if their names are omitted from the list. We will explore that opportunity and engage with INEC,” he said.
He added that no reason was given by INEC for the omission.
“Actually, we believe there is no particular reason for the omission. INEC itself has not advanced any reason. We believe it may be an administrative error or something else because we do not have any pending judgment or court order.
“This is a man who has already served as a deputy governor, so we cannot even question his qualification. We also believe he was duly registered with the NDC within the stipulated period.
“Therefore, the omission came as a shock. However, in politics, we have seen many things, and we believe there are always ways to resolve issues. There is also a provision in the Electoral Act.
“If he is not on INEC’s list, I believe the Kwankwasiyya Movement, being law-abiding and committed to doing things the right way, will explore that opportunity and engage INEC. We are confident that the matter will be resolved because we see no reason why it should be otherwise,” Mohammed said.