19 candidates set for Sokoto governorship race in 2027

No fewer than 19 candidates are set to contest the Sokoto State governorship election planned for 2027. This was revealed by the Independent National Electoral Commission at its state office on Saturday.

The list, seen by our reporter during a visit to the commission’s office, includes candidates from different political parties aiming for the state’s top political position.

The political parties involved are Action Alliance, Social Democratic Party, Action Peoples Party, Action Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Movement, Zenith Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Peoples Redemption Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, National Rescue Movement, African Action Congress, Accord, Young Progressives Party, National Democratic Party, Labour Party, National Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and All Progressives Congress.

Among the candidates are Aliyu Shamsudeen Ahmad from the NDC, Abdullah Sokoto Abubakar from the PDP, Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya from the ADC, and the current governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, from the APC.

This development has opened up the race ahead of the election. The candidates are expected to start or ramp up their consultations, mobilization, and other political activities as the 2027 poll gets closer.

But the PDP’s participation in the race is complicated by the party’s ongoing internal crisis. Abdullah Sokoto Abubakar is the candidate being put forward by the faction linked to the Wike/Bature camp.

In response, the Publicity Secretary of the other PDP faction, Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal, stated that they are reviewing the situation and will announce their stance after careful thought.

“We are studying the situation carefully and will make our position known to the public soon,” Sanyinnawal said.

He also urged PDP supporters to stay calm and avoid actions that could worsen the disagreement within the party.

“We urge all our supporters to remain calm and patient. There is no need for anybody to panic or take any action in haste,” he added.

The internal matters within the PDP are likely to be a key issue as the political build-up to the 2027 election unfolds. The party aims to strengthen its position before the election.

With 19 candidates now listed, the Sokoto governorship race is expected to be highly competitive. The APC, PDP, ADC, and other parties will be working hard to gain the support of voters throughout the state.