Gubernatorial candidates of opposition political parties in Kaduna State have condemned the alleged persecution of opposition parties by the state government, pledging to work together to protect the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The candidates made their position known on Thursday at a meeting of the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum, GCF, in Kaduna, where they deliberated on issues affecting opposition parties and explored areas of collaboration ahead of the elections.
The forum chairman and gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Muhammad Aminu Abubakar, said the participating parties were determined to present a united front and work towards a credible electoral process.
“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 said.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Usman Shehu Bawa, stressed the need for sustained cooperation among opposition parties to advance their shared interests and strengthen democratic participation in the state.
Bawa said, “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 raised concerns over actions they said could undermine public confidence in democracy and deny political parties a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections.
They resolved to strengthen cooperation on issues of common interest while promoting fairness, mutual respect and the rights of all political parties in the state.
According to the candidates, a coordinated opposition would be better positioned to defend democratic values, encourage wider participation and ensure that the electoral process remained credible.
The meeting was attended by gubernatorial candidates of 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, Labour Party, LP, among others.
The forum’s latest meeting marks an effort by opposition parties in Kaduna to deepen collaboration and build a common front as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.