Integrity in Politics: Marafa's Resignation Comments Praised by Zamfara NDC

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Zamfara State has unequivocally reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to the upcoming 2027 governorship election. The party insists that its chosen candidate, Senator Kabir Garba Marafa, remains resolute and undeterred in his ambition to lead the state. This declaration was made in a statement issued by the party’s publicity secretary, Kassim Almustafa Kayatawa, yesterday. The statement served as a direct response to an article penned by Suleiman Ahmad Tudu, who holds the position of senior special assistant on Media in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Tudu’s article, provocatively titled “The Candidate Campaigning with a Resignation Letter,” had raised significant questions regarding Senator Marafa’s sincerity and position concerning his governorship aspirations. However, the NDC vehemently described Tudu’s publication as misleading, further alleging that it contained outright falsehoods and a deliberate misrepresentation of Senator Marafa’s actual stance. The party emphasized its unwavering resolve, stating, “We remain firm; no falsehood will deter our dream to salvage Zamfara State.”

The NDC underscored the critical necessity to clarify remarks made by Senator Marafa during an interview with DCL Hausa. The party asserted that these comments were not, as Tudu’s article implied, an attempt to campaign with a resignation letter. Instead, the NDC clarified that Marafa’s statements were a clear articulation of his philosophy on accountability and honest leadership.

According to the party, Senator Marafa explicitly acknowledged the distinct and separate responsibilities of the Federal Government and the state government. He then pledged his full commitment to diligently fulfilling his duties as governor, should he be elected. Concurrently, he also committed to actively pushing the Federal Government to meet its own constitutional obligations to the state. The NDC further elucidated Marafa’s conditional pledge: he stated he would only resign from his gubernatorial position if his diligent efforts to ensure the Federal Government fulfilled its responsibilities ultimately failed to produce the desired results for the people of Zamfara State.

In a strong accusation, the NDC charged Tudu with deliberately ignoring the crucial context of Marafa’s remarks. The party contended that this omission was a calculated attempt to score cheap political points at Marafa’s expense. The NDC concluded its statement by praising Marafa’s approach, declaring, “That is the language of a leader with integrity. That is the language of a man who does not believe in deceiving the people with empty promises.”