2027: Opposition Gubernatorial Candidates Allege Persecution In Kaduna As ADC Clears Hurdles For Sokoto Campaign Launch

Gubernatorial candidates from opposition political parties in the North-West have decried what they described as the persecution of opposition parties and the shrinking political space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The candidates, who met under the aegis of the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum (GCF) in Kaduna on Friday, said they would strengthen unity to protect the integrity and dignity of the electoral process.

The meeting, which was attended by the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Hon. Usman Bawa, that of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP); and Hon. Muhammad Aminu Abubakar, among others, deliberated on issues affecting opposition parties and areas of collaboration.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum and PRP gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Abubakar, said opposition parties were determined to work together to ensure a credible process and bring about a change of government in Kaduna State in 2027.

He noted that cooperation and a common front would strengthen their collective efforts.

On his part, the PDP candidate, Hon. Bawa, underscored the need for synergy, stressing that sustained engagement and mutual understanding were essential to building a stronger opposition capable of defending democratic values.

The Forum, which also had candidates from NDP, ADP, AA, APGA, ZLP, YPP, NRM, Accord, NNPP, DLA, and Labour Party in attendance, emphasised the need to safeguard the electoral process against actions that could undermine public confidence and deny parties a level playing field.

In Sokoto, where ADC is set to launch its campaign tomorrow, the party’s state chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Maigwandu, said the party was overcoming initial logistical challenges.

LEADERSHIP had reported complaints from some delegates over alleged frustrations in securing hotel accommodation in Sokoto metropolis, with claims that certain hotels were overbooked and that some persons were restricted from booking.

Reacting in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP, Maigwandu said: “Look, it is not the right time for me to talk about this now. We are working on it and insha Allah, we will overcome it.”

When asked about security arrangements on the ground in Sokoto ahead of the launch, he said, “We don’t have any problem now.”

Police authorities in Sokoto were yet to react to the security deployment as at press time, but sources said adequate arrangements had been made to ensure hitch-free political activities.