Sokoto's Nigeria Democratic Congress locked in Dr. Shamsuddeen Aliyu Haido as its 2027 gubernatorial flag-bearer on Friday.
The party also confirmed candidates for Senate, House of Representatives, and state assembly races.
Party officials conducted the selection through an open affirmation process. Delegates raised their hands to indicate support for each nominee announced.
Bello Labaran Gwadabawa, who chaired the primary election committee, explained the methodology. According to him, members reached consensus on every candidate presented before the gathering.
"We called out names from governor down to assembly positions," he told observers. "Anyone opposed had the freedom to keep their hands down."
All candidates received unanimous backing from delegates present. Not a single nominee faced rejection during the exercise.
For Senate positions, the party picked Mainasara Abubakar Sani in Sokoto Central. Abdurrahman Umar Maisalati clinched the Sokoto East slot, while Bilyaminu Tanimu took Sokoto South.
Eleven House of Representatives candidates got the nod. Thirty House of Assembly hopefuls also secured affirmation.
Haido praised party leadership for running a transparent operation. He contrasted NDC's approach with rivals who he said sell nomination forms to the wealthy.
"Some parties impose candidates without regard to merit," the governorship nominee noted. "Our process was built on fairness and genuine agreement among members."
He pledged that all nominees would honor the trust voters place in them. If elected, Haido promised to channel resources toward genuine development projects across the state.
"We won't let you down," he assured supporters. "Positive change awaits Sokoto under our leadership."
State party boss Bello Sani Yabo urged young Sokoto residents to back NDC's slate. Young people make up roughly 70 percent of the party's membership structure statewide.
Yabo said the youth-heavy composition was intentional. The goal involves creating pathways for those traditionally excluded from political spaces.
He expressed optimism about the candidates' chances in 2027. Success would require sustained grassroots mobilization starting immediately, he suggested.
INEC officials monitored the entire affirmation exercise. Security personnel and party stalwarts also witnessed proceedings at the venue.
