2027: Sokoto NDC Affirms Haido as guber candidate

By Salim Ashir Mahuta, Sokoto The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday affirmed Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu Haido as its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party also affirmed candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and Sokoto State House of Assembly seats during its primary and affirmation […]

By Salim Ashir Mahuta, Sokoto

The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday affirmed Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu Haido as its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party also affirmed candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and Sokoto State House of Assembly seats during its primary and affirmation exercise held in Sokoto.

Chairman of the party’s primary election committee, Bello Labaran Gwadabawa, said all candidates were selected through consensus among party members.

He explained that the process involved open affirmation, where delegates were called upon to show support by raising their hands after each candidate was 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 said.

According to him, all candidates presented received unanimous support from delegates present at the exercise.

Those affirmed for the Senate include Mainasara Abubakar Sani for Sokoto Central, Abdurrahman Umar Maisalati for Sokoto East, and Bilyaminu Tanimu for Sokoto South.

Also affirmed were 11 House of Representatives candidates and 30 House of Assembly candidates.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, the governorship flag bearer, Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu Haido, expressed appreciation to party leaders and members for what he described as a fair and transparent process.

He said the party had demonstrated commitment to internal democracy by ensuring that candidates emerged based on consensus and acceptance.

“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,” he said.

Dr. Haido assured party supporters that the candidates would not disappoint the trust placed in them, promising to work for positive change if elected.

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

The state chairman of the party, Bello Sani Yabo, urged residents, especially young people, to support the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the party’s structure reflects the strength of youth participation, noting that a large percentage of members are 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.

Yabo expressed confidence that the party’s candidates would bring positive change to Sokoto State if elected.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, party leaders and other stakeholders witnessed the affirmation exercise.