Zamfara NDC Woos Aggrieved Aspirants

Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Zamfara State, Alhaji Surajo Garba Mai Katako, has called on residents and aggrieved political aspirants to rally behind Senator Kabir Garba Marafa in the 2027 governorship race, declaring that the party offers a “home of justice” for candidates denied fair play elsewhere.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mai Katako, said Senator Marafa’s track record in the Senate, his “fearless leadership,” and dedication to the people make him the right candidate to lead Zamfara. He expressed confidence that under his chairmanship, the NDC would deliver victory for Marafa.

“I have full confidence and burning zeal that under my chairmanship, we will deliver and, by the grace of Allah, Senator Kabir Garba Marafa will become Governor of Zamfara State, Insha Allah,” he said. “We have prepared thoroughly, and this time is our turn, Insha Allah.”

Mai Katako said the party would run a campaign based on hard work, prayer, and popular support, not violence or manipulation.

He pledged that a Marafa-led government would ensure fairness and equity for all citizens of Zamfara.

“Under Senator Marafa’s government, all citizens of Zamfara will be treated fairly and equitably, to the best of our judgement. Let nobody doubt: we will win this election. It will not be by magic, and it will not be by violence,” he stated.

A major part of the message was an open invitation to aspirants who lose out in their party primaries. Mai Katako urged candidates who feel cheated to defect to the NDC, promising them a level playing field and protection of their mandates.

“Whoever did not get justice, we invite every such candidate to join our party, the NDC — Insha Allah, we will treat you fairly,” he said. “Do not allow the enemies to steal your mandate. Do not let the resources you invested, your hard-earned money, your sleepless nights, your sweat, your blood, and your priceless time become a worthless sacrifice on the altar of a rigged primary.”

He described the NDC as the only party in Zamfara that guarantees fairness and integrity, contrasting it with other parties he accused of cheating and betraying candidates.

“Where other parties cheat, we uphold the truth. Where others sell their candidates’ mandates, we protect every mandate as sacred. We do not discriminate, we do not manipulate, and we do not betray our own,” he said.

Mai Katako also extended an olive branch to former supporters of Marafa who had left, urging them to return ahead of the elections. He said the party’s doors were open to all without discrimination.

The statement comes as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties positioning themselves to attract defectors and consolidate support across Zamfara’s 14 local government areas.