The Kano State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has responded sharply to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s claims that the party’s decision to skip the recent bye-election signals its political weakness.
The governor had, through his spokesperson, described the NDC as a "mushroom political movement" lacking grassroots structure . He suggested that the party's absence from the poll was a sign of fear and an admission that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would dominate the 2027 elections .
NDC Insists Absence Was Strategic
Reacting to the governor's comments, the NDC Chairman in Kano State, Hussaini Isa Mai Riga, dismissed the remarks as an attempt to score cheap political points . He stated that the party is not distracted and is currently focused on building a "solid, people-centred structure" across all 44 local government areas of the state ahead of the 2027 general elections .
"NDC is a party of strategy and discipline. Skipping one bye-election does not mean we are weak. It means we are focused on the bigger picture," Mai Riga said in a statement .
Focus on 2027 and Grassroots Mobilisation
The NDC chairman emphasized that the party would not waste resources on contests that do not align with its long-term vision. Instead, it is investing in mobilisation, political education, and policy development to address key issues like unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship .
He expressed confidence that with the support of Kano residents and the strength of the Kwankwasiyya movement within the party, the NDC will emerge victorious in the next governorship election . The party's governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, a former deputy governor, is already challenging Governor Yusuf on various issues, including security and governance .
The By-Election Context
The Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency bye-election, held recently, was won by the APC candidate, Rabiu Shuaibu, who polled 35,356 votes . The Labour Party and Allied Peoples Movement also fielded candidates, but the NDC, along with the NNPP and ADC, opted out of the contest .
The NDC had previously explained that opposition parties rarely win bye-elections due to intimidation and maneuvers by the ruling party, a reality that influenced their decision not to participate . The party confirmed it is focusing its energy on fielding candidates for the 2027 elections .
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