Kwankwaso Unveils NDC Candidates in Katsina, Pays Condolence Visit Over Late General Rabe Abubakar

By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar

KATSINA, Nigeria – June 17, 2026

— Former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, on Wednesday visited Katsina State to officially unveil candidates of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) for various elective positions, including the party’s governorship candidate in the state.

During the visit, Kwankwaso also paid a condolence visit following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died after being abducted alongside his wife by armed bandits.

Addressing party supporters and stakeholders at Paramount Hall in Katsina, Kwankwaso described the NDC as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing political parties, noting that despite being only four months old, the party had recorded significant growth and acceptance across the country.

According to him, the increasing number of Nigerians joining the party reflects a growing desire for an alternative political platform capable of addressing the nation’s challenges.

“The NDC is barely four months old, yet its expansion has been remarkable. The level of acceptance we are witnessing across the country demonstrates that Nigerians are eager for change,” he said.

Kwankwaso disclosed that he joined the party about a month ago alongside supporters of former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

He explained that the alliance between the Kwankwasiyya Movement and the Obidient Movement was inspired by a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s economic, social and political challenges.

The former governor also criticised the administration of the ruling party, arguing that the country’s current difficulties stem largely from poor governance and ineffective policies.

“It is unfortunate that those in authority still fail to recognise the mistakes that have contributed to the country’s present condition. Despite the hardship facing ordinary Nigerians, they continue to believe they are on the right path,” Kwankwaso stated.

He further invited politicians and citizens interested in joining the NDC to do so, assuring them that the party remained open and inclusive.

Kwankwaso explained that the candidates presented during the event were serving in a provisional capacity pending the completion of the party’s internal processes. He added that qualified individuals who join the party could still be considered for nominations.

“We have presented provisional candidates, but there is still room for credible and competent individuals to join the party and seek elective offices, provided they meet the necessary requirements,” he added.

Earlier, the Katsina State Chairman of the NDC and the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Aliyu Ilu Barde, welcomed the delegation and commended Kwankwaso for the visit.

Barde highlighted the party’s activities and expansion efforts in Katsina State, stressing that the NDC was committed to providing the people with an alternative political platform.

He reiterated that the party remained open to individuals interested in contesting elective positions under its banner.

The delegation accompanying Kwankwaso included Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, the NDC deputy governorship candidate in Kano State, as well as other party leaders and stakeholders from Kano and Katsina states.

The event attracted party officials, supporters, youth groups and political stakeholders from across Katsina State as the NDC intensified efforts to strengthen its presence ahead of future elections.