NDC Sokoto Holds Strategic Meeting with Candidates, Urges Stronger Grassroots Mobilisation

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has held a strategic meeting with its candidates contesting various elective positions ahead of future political engagements in the state.

In his opening remarks, the State Chairman of the party, Engr. Bello Sani Yabo, said the gathering was convened to foster interaction between the party’s candidates and the State Executive Council.

According to him, the meeting was the first of its kind since the establishment of the NDC in Sokoto State and was aimed at encouraging candidates to intensify their grassroots campaigns and expand the party’s presence across the state.

Engr. Yabo expressed concern over the limited visibility of the party in some local government areas despite the emergence of candidates from those areas. He stressed that the NDC remains a youth-focused political platform, acknowledging the significant contributions of young people to societal development.

The chairman also sympathised with the people of Tureta Local Government Area over recent bandit attacks that claimed several lives and urged the Sokoto State Government to prioritise addressing insecurity and protecting vulnerable communities.

Speaking at the meeting, the State Secretary of the party, Alhaji Bello Labaran Gwadabawa, said the leadership invited candidates to appreciate their commitment and efforts in promoting the party across their respective constituencies.

He noted that the activities of the candidates had contributed significantly to a surge in the party’s membership drive across the state.

Gwadabawa further disclosed that the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Dr.Shamsudeen Aliyu Haido, purchased nomination forms for all candidates contesting under the party’s platform, describing the gesture as unprecedented in the political history of Sokoto State.

The party secretary also announced that all local government chairmen had been directed to convene weekly meetings in their respective areas.

He explained that the meetings would help identify challenges, assess progress and provide an avenue for resolving issues affecting party activities at the grassroots level.

Representing the local government chairmen, a party official called on candidates to maintain cordial relationships with party leadership at the local level, stressing that mutual respect and cooperation would strengthen the party and promote effective coordination.

He commended the NDC candidate for Sokoto North/Sokoto South Federal Constituency, Bature Musa, for implementing impactful community projects that have improved the lives of vulnerable residents within the constituency.

According to him, if Bature Musa could execute such people oriented projects as a private citizen, constituents should expect even greater developmental initiatives if elected into the House of Representatives. He urged other candidates to emulate his example.

Also speaking, the National Financial Secretary of the party and the senatorial candidate for Sokoto North Senatorial District, Alhaji Mainasara Sani, reflected on his political journey, highlighting the challenges, obstacles and betrayals he had encountered over the years.

Despite these setbacks, he said he remained committed to politics and the struggle for good governance.

Mainasara criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) accusing it of failing Nigerians in key areas, particularly security and economic management.

He lamented the level of hardship and insecurity facing Northern Nigeria, stating that many citizens now live in fear and uncertainty.

He maintained that the 2027 general elections would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to vote out the APC, which he described as having performed below expectations in delivering the dividends of democracy.