By Lateef Ibrahim with agency report
The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Katsina State has adopted Yakubu Lado-Danmarke as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election in what party leaders described as a strategic move aimed at preserving unity and strengthening its electoral chances.
The affirmation took place during the party’s governorship primary election in Katsina, where party officials said the process complied with the Electoral Act 2026, the PDP constitution and the party’s internal electoral guidelines.
Announcing the result, returning officer Nuraddeen Sani-Kankara disclosed that 77,085 delegates were accredited for the exercise, while 77,013 valid votes were recorded in favour of Lado-Danmarke.
According to him, 72 delegates were unable to vote because accreditation had closed before they arrived at the venue.
“With the majority of lawful votes cast at this primary election, I hereby affirm and declare Lado-Danmarke as the consensus candidate of the PDP for the forthcoming 2027 governorship election,” he stated.
State PDP chairman, Nura Amadi-Kurfi, said the party opted for consensus in order to maintain cohesion, stability and internal harmony ahead of the 2027 polls.
He described Lado-Danmarke as an experienced politician capable of repositioning Katsina State through what he called purposeful leadership.
In his acceptance speech, the PDP candidate thanked party leaders and delegates for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to pursue inclusive governance, transparency and people-focused policies if elected governor.
“I am deeply honoured by this confidence and overwhelming support from our great party. I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to serve the people of Katsina State diligently,” he said.
Lado-Danmarke also promised to work towards uniting party members across the state while mobilising support for the PDP ahead of the general election.
He maintained that the party remains determined to tackle insecurity, unemployment and poverty, which he identified as some of the major challenges confronting Katsina State.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the NDC, Ikenna Enekweizu, assured aspirants that the party would conduct transparent primaries ahead of the elections.
He dismissed allegations that the party leadership had compiled a secret list of preferred candidates and stated that all aspirants who purchase nomination forms would participate either through direct primaries or consensus arrangements.
Enekweizu also announced concessions for women, youths and persons living with disabilities, disclosing that female aspirants and contestants aged between 18 and 35 would pay only 50 per cent of nomination fees, while persons with disabilities would pay 25 per cent.
Veteran politician Buba Galadima, however, cautioned opposition parties against poorly managed primaries, warning that internal crises and litigation could weaken coalition efforts before the 2027 elections.
