By Julius Peter, Abuja

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Nasarawa State, Hon. Chief Danjuma Dauda Shazhimi, has expressed confidence that the party will secure victory in the 2027 general elections, declaring Nasarawa State a stronghold the party intends to win.

Shazhimi, who spoke after receiving his Certificate of Return at an event marking the presentation of certificates to NDC candidates, the inauguration of the National Campaign Council (NCC) and the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, said the political atmosphere in the country suggested growing prospects for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

He declared that the NDC was determined to win the Nasarawa State governorship election and secure other elective positions, including seats in the National Assembly.

According to him, the party remains undeterred by the activities and political campaigns of rival parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), insisting that the NDC has the political strength to compete effectively in the forthcoming elections.

“Honestly, I feel that 2027 is already here. If you look at the atmosphere in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, you can see the growing political excitement. It is as if even the trees are jubilating in anticipation of an NDC victory in 2027,” he said.

The NDC chieftain attributed his optimism to what he described as the difficult economic and social conditions confronting Nigerians, particularly hunger and other challenges affecting the welfare of citizens.

He questioned the performance of the ruling APC-led government, arguing that Nigerians needed tangible improvements in their living conditions rather than political promises.

Shazhimi specifically criticised the ruling party’s Renewed Hope Agenda, asking what there was to renew after more than three years in office without, in his assessment, sufficient results to justify the expectations of Nigerians.

“It is unfortunate that some political parties continue to talk about renewing hope when Nigerians are facing hunger and other serious challenges. What is the hope we are going to renew when you have spent over three and a half to four years and have little to show for it?” he asked.

He maintained that the prevailing economic difficulties could influence voters’ decisions in 2027, expressing confidence that Nigerians would consider the performance of political parties when deciding whom to support at the polls.

The NDC deputy governorship candidate also urged party members and supporters in Nasarawa State not to be intimidated by what he described as political noise from rival parties.

He said the NDC remained focused on its electoral objectives and was prepared to challenge established political parties across the state.

According to him, the political situation in Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 elections bears similarities to that of the 2023 general elections, when, he claimed, the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, won the state.

Shazhimi expressed confidence that the party could reproduce such a performance in the next general elections, arguing that the political support Obi enjoyed in 2023 demonstrated the NDC’s potential to attract voters in Nasarawa.

“In Nasarawa State, we are not intimidated by the noise from other political parties, including the APC, SDP and others. If you look at what happened in 2023, you will see that the situation was similar.

“I want to assure you that our presidential candidate, His Excellency Peter Obi, won Nasarawa State in the last election, and we believe we can achieve that again in 2027,” he said.

He added that the party was working towards a broader electoral victory that would extend beyond the presidential contest to the governorship and legislative elections.

Shazhimi specifically declared that the NDC was targeting the Nasarawa State governorship seat and other National Assembly positions, expressing confidence that the party would emerge victorious.

“Nasarawa State is a no-go area for other parties. We are going to win the governorship election and other National Assembly seats,” he declared.

His remarks underscore the NDC’s stated determination to position itself as a major contender in Nasarawa State as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The presentation of Certificates of Return to the party’s candidates, alongside the inauguration of the National Campaign Council and the NEC meeting, also marked an important step in the party’s preparations for the forthcoming elections.

The activities provided a platform for the party to recognise its candidates, strengthen its campaign structure and reaffirm its commitment to electoral mobilisation.

For Shazhimi, the immediate task is to translate the optimism expressed by the party’s leadership and supporters into broader grassroots support across Nasarawa State.

He urged party members to remain focused, confident and committed to the electoral process, insisting that the NDC would not be distracted by the political activities of its opponents.

As the 2027 elections approach, the party’s ability to convert its stated ambitions into measurable voter support will be a major factor in determining whether it can achieve the victories projected by its candidates and leaders.

Shazhimi, however, remains optimistic that the political mood in the country, coupled with public dissatisfaction over prevailing economic conditions, could work in the NDC’s favour and strengthen its chances of electoral success in Nasarawa State.