ADC and NDC Withdraw from Kano Bye-Election for 2026

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have opted out of the bye-election for the Kano State House of Assembly seat in Dawakin Kudu, scheduled for September 19, 2026. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that six candidates from six political parties will contest the election.

Musa Shu’aibu Ungogo, the ADC's Kano State chairman, cited a leadership crisis currently before the courts as the reason for not fielding a candidate. He stated that although the party had candidates ready, the ongoing disputes over party control hindered their participation.

In contrast, NDC's Kano State chairman, Hussain Isa Mairiga, explained that their decision was strategic, focusing resources on the 2027 general elections after consultations with party leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The absence of these two opposition parties leaves six parties in the contest, while both focus on resolving internal issues and preparing for the future elections.