2027: Sokoto NDC Affirms Haido as Governorship Candidate, Unveils Consensus Candidates

The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially affirmed Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu Haido as its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, alongside candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and Sokoto State House of Assembly.

The affirmation exercise, held on Friday at the party’s secretariat in Sokoto, drew the presence of party stakeholders, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and supporters from across the state.

Chairman of the party’s primary election committee, Bello Labaran Gwadabawa, disclosed that all candidates emerged through a consensus arrangement endorsed openly by delegates during the exercise.

According to him, delegates were asked to publicly affirm each candidate by raising their hands after the names were announced.

“We called out the names of all candidates ranging from governorship to senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly, asking members to indicate approval by raising their hands. Those who disagreed were free not to,” he explained.

Gwadabawa stated that all candidates received overwhelming support from delegates present at the venue, describing the process as peaceful and transparent.

The party affirmed Mainasara Abubakar Sani for Sokoto Central Senatorial District, Abdurrahman Umar Maisalati for Sokoto East, and Bilyaminu Tanimu for Sokoto South.

In addition, the party also affirmed 11 House of Representatives candidates and 30 House of Assembly candidates across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, the NDC governorship flag bearer, Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu Haido, commended party leaders and members for what he described as a credible and fair process rooted in consensus and inclusiveness.

He said the exercise demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and fairness.

“In some parties, forms are sold to influential individuals and candidates are imposed regardless of merit. But here, everything was done based on fairness and agreement,” Haido stated.

The governorship candidate assured supporters that the party’s candidates would justify the confidence reposed in them if elected into office.

“We will not betray the confidence reposed in us. We are committed to serving the people and delivering meaningful development,” he added.

Also speaking, the Sokoto State chairman of the NDC, Bello Sani Yabo, called on residents of the state, particularly youths, to rally behind the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yabo revealed that the party deliberately prioritised youth inclusion, noting that about 70 percent of the party’s structure is made up of young people.

“We have about 70 percent youth in our party structure. This is deliberate, to ensure inclusion and to give opportunities to those who have been left behind,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the party’s candidates would provide purposeful leadership and bring positive transformation to Sokoto State if given the mandate in 2027.

The affirmation exercise ended with renewed calls for unity and grassroots mobilisation as the party begins preparations for the forthcoming elections.