2027 Heat: Opposition Cries Persecution in Kaduna, ADC Pushes Sokoto Campaign

Gubernatorial candidates from various opposition political parties in Nigeria's North-West region have voiced strong concerns regarding what they describe as the systematic persecution of opposition parties and a significant shrinking of the political space ahead of the 2027 general elections. These candidates convened in Kaduna on Friday under the banner of the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum (GCF), where they committed to strengthening their unity and collaboration to safeguard the integrity and dignity of the electoral process.

The meeting saw the participation of prominent figures, including Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Usman Bawa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Hon. Muhammad Aminu Abubakar of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), among others. Discussions centered on critical issues impacting opposition parties and potential avenues for joint action. Hon. Abubakar, who chairs the Forum and is the PRP gubernatorial candidate, emphasized the collective determination of opposition parties to work synergistically towards a credible electoral process and to facilitate a change of government in Kaduna State in 2027. He underscored that a unified front would significantly enhance their collective efforts.

Echoing these sentiments, Hon. Bawa, the PDP candidate, highlighted the imperative of synergy among opposition parties. He stressed that ongoing engagement and mutual understanding are vital for building a robust opposition capable of effectively defending democratic values. The Forum's attendance also included candidates from NDP, ADP, AA, APGA, ZLP, YPP, NRM, Accord, NNPP, DLA, and the Labour Party. A key consensus was the urgent need to protect the electoral process from any actions that could erode public confidence and deny all participating parties a level playing field.

Meanwhile, in Sokoto, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is preparing for its campaign launch. The party's state chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Maigwandu, acknowledged and addressed initial logistical hurdles, specifically complaints from some delegates about difficulties in securing hotel accommodation within Sokoto metropolis. While some delegates reported overbooked hotels and restrictions, Maigwandu stated that the party was actively working to overcome these challenges. Regarding security arrangements for the upcoming launch, he indicated that there were no current issues. Although police authorities in Sokoto had not officially commented at press time, sources confirmed that adequate preparations were in place to ensure smooth and hitch-free political activities.