KADUNA, NIGERIA — The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress has confirmed that the party does not yet have a governorship candidate for the 2027 election, dismissing claims by certain individuals purporting to be the party’s standard-bearers and insisting that the governorship primary has not been conducted.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the state chairman of the NDC addressed growing confusion surrounding the party’s gubernatorial ticket, clarifying that no candidate has been formally adopted or endorsed by the party. He specifically refuted assertions by aspirants La’ah and Abbas, who had reportedly claimed to have secured the party’s nomination for the 2027 governorship election.
The chairman stressed that the NDC remains committed to a transparent, inclusive, and democratic process in selecting its flagbearer. He stated that the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines must be strictly followed, and that any individual parading themselves as the NDC candidate without the party’s official endorsement was doing so illegally and without authority.
“We have not conducted any governorship primary. There is no governorship candidate for the NDC in Kaduna State at this time,” the chairman declared. “Any person or group claiming otherwise is misleading the public and should be disregarded. The party will follow due process, and a substitute will be named at the appropriate time.”
The clarification comes amid heightened political activity in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 elections, with various parties intensifying preparations and aspirants jostling for tickets. The NDC, which has positioned itself as a viable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress and other opposition parties, is seeking to present a credible candidate capable of challenging the incumbent administration.
The chairman further warned against the proliferation of unauthorized candidates, stating that the party would not hesitate to take disciplinary action against any member found to be undermining the party’s processes. He urged party faithful to remain calm and await the official announcement of the governorship candidate following the conduct of a properly constituted primary election.
“We are building a party based on rules and integrity. We cannot afford to allow any individual to hijack our processes for personal ambition,” he said. “The NDC is bigger than any individual, and we will ensure that our candidate emerges through a credible and transparent process that reflects the will of our members.”
The development has sparked discussion among political observers, who note that the confusion over the NDC’s governorship ticket could undermine the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. With the political landscape in Kaduna State becoming increasingly competitive, opposition parties are under pressure to present unified fronts and avoid internal divisions that could weaken their electoral prospects.
The NDC’s Kaduna chapter has yet to announce a date for its governorship primary, but the chairman assured members that the process would be concluded well in advance of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s deadline for the submission of candidates. He also called on all aspirants to conduct their campaigns with decorum and to respect the party’s internal mechanisms for resolving disputes.
As the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum, the NDC’s ability to field a credible and widely accepted candidate will be critical to its performance in Kaduna State. For now, the party’s message is clear: no candidate has been chosen, and any claim to the contrary is premature and unauthorized. The coming weeks will reveal whether the party can navigate its internal dynamics and present a united front ahead of the crucial contest.
