Opposition governorship candidates in the North-West have decried what they described as persecution of opposition parties and 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 had in attendance the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru; that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Usman Bawa; and that of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hon. Muhammad Aminu Abubakar, among others.
They deliberated on issues affecting opposition parties and areas of possible collaboration.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Forum and PRP governorship 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.
Candidates of NDP, ADP, AA, APGA, ZLP, YPP, NRM, Accord, NNPP, DLA and Labour Party also attended the meeting.
The Forum emphasised the need to safeguard the electoral process against actions capable of undermining public confidence and denying political parties a level playing field.
Meanwhile, in Sokoto, where the ADC is billed to launch its campaign tomorrow, the party’s state chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Maigwandu, said the party was overcoming initial logistical challenges.
Leadership had earlier reported complaints by some delegates over alleged difficulties in securing hotel accommodation in Sokoto metropolis, with claims that certain hotels were overbooked and some persons 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 in Sokoto ahead of the campaign launch, he said, “We don’t have any problem now.”
Police authorities in Sokoto were yet to react to the security deployment as of press time, but sources said adequate arrangements had been made to ensure hitch-free political activities.
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