Gubernatorial candidates of political parties in Kaduna State have condemned the alleged persecution of opposition parties by the Governor of the state, pledging to strengthen unity and cooperation to protect the integrity and dignity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidates made their position known at a meeting of the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum, GCF, held in Kaduna on Thursday.
The meeting provided a platform for the candidates to deliberate on issues of mutual interest, address concerns affecting opposition parties in the state and explore areas of collaboration as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Chairman of the Forum and gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Muhammad Aminu Abubakar, said, “We, the participating opposition parties, are determined to work together to ensure a credible electoral process and bring about a change of government in Kaduna State in 2027.”
Abubakar emphasised the importance of unity among opposition parties, noting that cooperation and a common front would strengthen their collective efforts towards achieving their political objectives in the forthcoming elections.
Similarly, the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Usman Shehu Bawa, underscored the need for synergy among opposition parties, stressing that effective cooperation was essential to advancing their shared interests.
He explained, “I believe that sustained engagement, mutual understanding and collaboration among the parties will be crucial to building a stronger opposition capable of defending democratic values and promoting a credible electoral process in Kaduna State.”
The candidates also expressed their readiness to work together in addressing issues of common concern, strengthening democratic participation and ensuring that political competition in the state was conducted in an atmosphere of fairness, mutual respect and respect for the rights of all political parties.
They further emphasised the importance of safeguarding the electoral process against actions capable of undermining public confidence in democracy and denying political parties a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting was attended by gubernatorial candidates representing the PRP, PDP, New Democratic Party, NDP, Action Democratic Party, ADP, Action Alliance, AA, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, Young Progressives Party, YPP, National Rescue Movement, NRM, Accord Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Democratic Leadership Alliance, DLA and Labour Party, LP, among others.
The meeting represents a step towards strengthening cooperation among opposition parties in Kaduna State, with the candidates expressing their determination to work together to protect the integrity of the electoral process and advance their shared interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.