Kaduna NDC gov candidate rejects imposition claim

The campaign organization for Mohammed Abbas, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, has refuted allegations that he was imposed on the party. This denial comes in response to statements from some aggrieved members who claim the party's National Working Committee is attempting to force Abbas's candidacy, asserting that no valid primary election was conducted for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

Alhaji Ibrahim Kaya, Coordinator of the OK Movement and Protem Director-General of the Mohammed Sani Abbas Campaign Organisation, stated that there is no crisis within the state chapter and that Abbas remains the sole recognized candidate. He explained that Abbas was confirmed and uploaded by the NDC's national leadership following due process. Kaya added that the NDC, registered in December 2025, has followed its constitution and the Electoral Act in nominating candidates.

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It is normal for members to have different political interests, but that does not amount to a crisis. We are one family in the NDC, and all issues will be resolved through reconciliation.

Kaya characterized the disagreements among members as typical in party politics, distinguishing them from a leadership crisis. He emphasized that while members may have different political interests, the NDC operates as a united family where issues can be resolved through reconciliation. He also dismissed claims that Abbas did not obtain his nomination form correctly, maintaining that the candidate was duly nominated and presented on June 7, 2026.

Accusing some party leaders of exploiting aspirants and promoting ethnic and religious sentiments, Kaya urged the national leadership to investigate and sanction any culpable individuals. He called for politics devoid of such sentiments, stressing that Kaduna belongs to everyone and requires collective effort to build a united party. Meanwhile, a statement signed by NDC's Kaduna State Publicity Secretary, Isaac Tanko, reiterated the aggrieved members' claim that no primary election occurred on May 29, 2026. This group alleged that the party's Electoral Committee had suggested a meeting of aspirants to find a consensus candidate, but the meeting, involving Ibrahim Abdulkarim, Zariyi Madaki, and Abbas, ended without agreement. They also noted that former Senator Danjuma La’ah joined the race after purchasing nomination forms.

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We want politics devoid of ethnic, religious and sectional sentiments. Kaduna belongs to all of us, and we must work together to build a united party.