The Social Democratic Party, SDP, governorship candidate in Niger State, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, SAN, has urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and focus on issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ndarani cautioned members against resorting to character assassination of political opponents, insisting that their campaigns should centre on policies and issues affecting the people.
He spoke on Saturday in Minna during the formal presentation of former All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, Jonathan Vatsa, who recently defected to the SDP alongside his supporters, to the party’s State Working Committee.
Represented by his running mate, Hon. Japhet Pada, the governorship candidate urged party members to remain united, peaceful and committed to the democratic process.
“Politics should bring people together, not divide families, communities or friendships,” he stated.
The SDP guber candidate described the task ahead of the 2027 elections as enormous, urging members of the State Working Committee, party loyalists and supporters to make genuine sacrifices and work towards securing victory for the party.
He noted that leadership should be measured by service, accountability, justice and fairness rather than the privileges associated with occupying public office.
Ndarani pledged that an SDP administration in the state would promote inclusiveness, transparency and respect for party structures, with recognition given to loyalty, competence, hard work and commitment.
He identified grassroots development, youth and women empowerment, accountability, inclusive governance and recognition of party members as priorities of his proposed administration.
“My commitment is to work with the party leadership, stakeholders and the people of Niger State to build a future where every citizen has a sense of belonging,” Ndarani said.
Earlier, the state chairman of the party, Barrister Buhari Yakubu Yerima, formally welcomed Vatsa and other defectors, describing the former APC chieftain as a man of honour and integrity whose grassroots experience would strengthen the SDP.
“We are happy to have him in the party. He will add value to the party. Since APC does not know his value and allowed him to leave, SDP will utilise him effectively,” Yerima said.
Also speaking, the party’s National Vice Chairman, North Central, Hon. Araba Rufus, called for unity of purpose, discipline and loyalty among members, describing them as essential to the party’s chances in the forthcoming elections.
He acknowledged that wresting power from the ruling party would not be easy but expressed confidence that unity and commitment could make victory possible.
In his remarks, Vatsa attributed his defection to what he described as the failure of the APC to serve the interests of Nigerians.
He said the ruling party had lost its capacity to deliver, declaring that “the broom can no longer sweep. The administration is only focusing on personal enrichment to the detriment of public works”.
Vatsa also criticised the APC administration in Niger State, accusing it of neglecting human development and public infrastructure in favour of personal enrichment.
