The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have opted out of the Saturday, September 19, 2026, bye-election for the Kano State House of Assembly seat representing Dawakin Kudu.

Following their withdrawal, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that six political parties—the ADP, APP, APC, LP, PDP, and PRP—will vie for the legislative seat.

The boycott highlights widening internal rifts within opposition parties in Kano as political alignments take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Addressing the ADC’s absence, Kano State Chairman Musa Shu’aibu Ungogo explained that an unresolved leadership crisis currently pending in court blocked the party from fielding a candidate.

“INEC called me on the issue of the candidate, and I told them to leave it. We are watching to see how they will manage it, since they have not been able to run the party,” Ungogo stated, expressing optimism that his faction would eventually reclaim the party structure.

The state chapter of the ADC remains factionalized over leadership and the upcoming 2027 governorship ticket, with rival groups loyal to Ibrahim Khalil and Ibrahim Ali-Amin (Ibrahim Little).

Meanwhile, the NDC noted that its decision to sit out the poll was a strategic move to preserve resources for the broader 2027 race.

Kano State NDC Chairman Hussain Isa Mairiga explained that after consultations with party leader Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the leadership concluded that the bye-election came too late for meaningful preparation.

“We discussed with the leader of the NDC… and we decided that we would not participate in the election. We are only waiting for the general election, when we will take the Kano government from the APC,” Mairiga said.

With both opposition parties stepping aside, INEC has finalized logistical deployments and urged stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral process.