By Julius Peter, Abuja
Dr Aminu Sani Dutse, popularly known as Yariman Dutse and the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Jigawa State, has promised to provide purposeful leadership and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every resident of the state if elected governor in the 2027 general elections.
Dutse made the pledge while receiving his Certificate of Return at the NDC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, inauguration of the party’s National Campaign Council (NCC), and presentation of certificates to its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Jigawa governorship hopeful expressed confidence in the NDC’s chances of winning the forthcoming elections, insisting that the party was prepared to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at both state and national levels.
He criticised the APC-led government, alleging that the party had failed Nigerians in its governance and delivery of democratic dividends.
According to him, the 2027 general elections will provide voters with an opportunity to change the current political leadership and elect leaders who will prioritise the welfare and development of the people.
Dutse declared that the NDC was determined to end the APC’s hold on power, expressing confidence that Nigerians would use their votes to bring about political change.
He said, “The APC has failed woefully from top to bottom. We are just waiting for 2027 to send them packing.”
The NDC governorship candidate maintained that his ambition was driven by the desire to improve the lives of the people of Jigawa State through responsible leadership and a more inclusive approach to governance.
He promised that, if elected, his administration would work to ensure that the benefits of democracy were not restricted to a privileged few but extended to all communities across the state.
According to him, good governance must be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens, particularly in improving their living conditions and ensuring that public resources translate into tangible benefits for the people.
Dutse’s pledge comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with candidates seeking to convince voters that they can provide better leadership and address the challenges confronting their communities.
The Jigawa NDC governorship candidate also expressed strong support for Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, describing them as the best candidates to win the 2027 presidential election.
He said he believed the two opposition figures had the political capacity to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in the forthcoming poll.
Dutse expressed optimism that the opposition would secure victory at the national level and bring about a change of government in 2027.
He specifically predicted that Obi and Kwankwaso would defeat Tinubu, whom he referred to as “Tinibu,” and end his administration’s stay in the Presidential Villa.
His remarks reflect the NDC candidate’s confidence in the opposition’s prospects as political alignments, alliances and campaign strategies begin to take shape ahead of the next general elections.
However, the outcome of the presidential contest will depend on the candidates who emerge, the political platforms on which they contest, the strength of their campaigns and the decisions of Nigerian voters at the polls.
The presentation of certificates to the NDC candidates formed part of the party’s broader preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The party’s NEC meeting and inauguration of the National Campaign Council were aimed at strengthening its political structure and positioning its candidates for the electoral contest.
For Dutse, receiving the Certificate of Return represents an important step in his political journey as he seeks to lead the NDC’s campaign in Jigawa State and persuade voters to support his governorship ambition.
His promise to extend the dividends of democracy to all residents is expected to form a central part of his campaign message as he seeks to distinguish his proposed administration from the incumbent government.
As the 2027 elections approach, the NDC candidate faces the task of translating his criticism of the APC into a convincing programme of action capable of winning the confidence of Jigawa voters.
The forthcoming election is therefore expected to test the strength of the NDC in Jigawa State, its ability to mobilise supporters across the state’s communities and its capacity to present an alternative vision of governance.
Dutse, however, remains optimistic that the electorate is ready for a change, insisting that 2027 will provide an opportunity for Nigerians to decide the country’s political direction at both state and national levels.
