By Rauf Oyewole
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bauchi State says it would proceed with the 2027 governorship race despite the withdrawal of its governorship candidate, Barrister Kashim Ibrahim, insisting that his running mate remains in the contest.
The state chairman of the party, Abdullahi Maigari Misau, disclosed this while reacting to Ibrahim’s resignation from the party, which has raised questions about the NDC’s participation in the forthcoming governorship election.
Misau said the party was disappointed by the development but remained determined to continue its political activities while seeking legal guidance on the implications of the candidate’s withdrawal.
“We are deeply disappointed, but since it is beyond our control, we can only pray that it turns out to be in the best interest of all parties involved,” he said.
He maintained that the party had not abandoned its governorship ambition, noting that its running mate remained available to sustain the ticket, subject to the applicable electoral laws.
“Under the electoral framework, the governorship candidate and the running mate contest together. Since we have a running mate, it cannot be said that we are no longer in the race,” Misau stated.
He added that the party would consult its legal team and seek clarification from the legal authorities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before deciding on the appropriate steps to take.
“We will consult our legal team and seek guidance from INEC’s legal counsel on the appropriate steps to take. However, I can assure you that we are still in the race,” he said.
Ibrahim, a former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Mohammed, resigned from the NDC after previously moving from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to secure the NDC’s governorship ticket.
In his resignation letter addressed to the party chairman in Bauchi Local Government Area, Ibrahim said his decision was based on personal considerations.
“I hereby formally tender my resignation from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), effective from the date of this letter.
“This decision has been taken after careful consideration and is a matter of personal choice. I wish to express my appreciation to the party leadership and members for the opportunity to have been associated with the NDC,” he stated.
He also requested that the party acknowledge his resignation and update its records accordingly.
Although there has been speculation in Bauchi State that the former candidate might align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), no confirmation of such a move was provided in the information available.
Misau said the party recognised that individuals had the right to make political decisions based on their personal interests and aspirations.
“In politics, everyone seeks what they believe is best for them. Every individual has the right to choose their own path and decide how they want to contribute to society and the nation, while also pursuing their personal interests,” he said.
The NDC chairman assured party members and supporters that its leadership remained resolute and would continue mobilising support across the state as it explored the legal options available following Ibrahim’s resignation.
