With the 2027 elections getting closer, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified efforts to consolidate the political influence of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso in Katsina State.
Our correspondent observed that leaders of the NDC in Katsina are working to build a strong grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 elections by establishing contacts among the rural populace.
NDC governorship candidate in the state, Aliyu Ilu Barde, said the NDC is poised to spring surprises in the election, arguing that its growing grassroots presence and the support bases associated with Obi and Kwankwaso had significantly improved its prospects in the state.
Barde said the two leaders represent the party’s biggest political assets, particularly in the North, where Kwankwaso has an established political movement and large support base, while Obi commands significant support among young and urban voters.
‘It is apparent that Kwankwaso is particularly important in the North because he brings an established political movement and a huge support base to the party, just as Mr Peter Obi does.
‘Moreover, both individuals have an established global political reputation that Nigerians can rely on for a better nation. In Katsina, the party is growing day by day, and we are optimistic that we will deliver Katsina to the NDC in 2027,’ he said.
Recall that Kwankwaso visited Katsina in June and inaugurated the party’s new state secretariat, where he urged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation. During the visit Kwankwaso identified insecurity, youth empowerment and good governance as key issues the party would campaign on.
Sources within the NDC said the party was also working to tap into the existing Obidient movement, particularly among younger and urban voters, as part of efforts to expand its support base.
‘We are working on giving the party a nationally recognisable presidential ticket capable of generating enthusiasm beyond its existing structure and augmenting the huge support the party is gaining in the state for our gubernatorial and other elective candidates,’ a source said.
Analysts however say the party faces a tough battle against the ruling APC’s established political machinery.
Malam Mukhtar Adamu said the NDC had emerged as a serious challenger but it is not yet the favourite to win Katsina in 2027.
‘It is obvious that, for now, the NDC is a serious emerging challenger, but not yet the favourite in Katsina. However, with the approach the NDC is adopting, the party may put up a strong challenge in 2027.
‘The NDC has momentum, a powerful national ticket and a growing local structure, but the party needs to do more to defeat the APC at the state and national levels because the APC has incumbency, political machinery and a much deeper organisational base,’ he said.
A Katsina-based politician, Ahmed Lawal Muhammad Gwarjo, said the NDC could spring surprises in 2027 because of its grassroots campaign strategy. He said Barde’s experience in grassroots mobilisation could give the party an advantage, noting that the candidate had previously travelled across the 34 local government areas while campaigning for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dikko Radda.