By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Governorship candidates of opposition political parties in Kaduna State have pledged to strengthen cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling for a credible electoral process and a level playing field for all contestants.

The candidates, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Isa Mohammed Ashiru, made the commitment at a meeting of the Gubernatorial Candidates Forum (GCF) held in Kaduna on Thursday.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the candidates to discuss challenges facing opposition parties in the state, explore areas of collaboration and consider strategies for promoting credible elections in 2027.

Speaking at the meeting, the forum’s chairman and governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hon. Muhammad Aminu Abubakar, said opposition parties were committed to working together to achieve their political objectives in the forthcoming elections.

Abubakar emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation, saying a common front would strengthen the parties’ participation in the electoral process and advance their shared aspiration for a change of government in Kaduna State.

Similarly, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Usman Bawa, stressed the need for greater synergy among opposition parties.

He noted that sustained engagement and mutual understanding were essential to building a stronger opposition ahead of the elections.

The candidates also pledged to defend democratic values, promote political participation and ensure that all parties could operate in an atmosphere of fairness and mutual respect.

They called for an electoral environment that would guarantee a level playing field for political parties and sustain public confidence in the democratic process.

Those represented at the meeting included 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) and Labour Party (LP), among others.

The meeting underscored the candidates’ resolve to sustain consultations and cooperation on issues of common interest as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.