Court Stops INEC from Listing Gwarzo as NDC Candidate

The Federal High Court in Kano issued a ruling that prevents the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from including Aminu Gwarzo in its updated list of candidates for the governorship election. This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by three members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) (Garba Isa, Yau Nasiru, and Atiku Abubakar) who are challenging Gwarzo's candidacy and that of his running mate, Mustapha Kwankwaso.

They accuse the Kwankwasiyya leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, of imposing these candidates. The plaintiffs, represented by lawyer S.A.

Abdullahi, filed an ex parte motion on October 17, 2026. On October 27, Justice Amobeda ruled that INEC and its representatives are barred from publishing any NDC candidate's name until the motion is heard.

The court also ordered that the final list released on October 10 remain unchanged and scheduled an accelerated hearing for November 2. The hearing was postponed when Gwarzo's counsel sought to join the suit, with the next hearing set for November 16, 2026.