The National Democratic Party on Monday announced Ada Fredrick as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The NDP National Publicity Secretary, Dr Emeka Wachuku, at a news conference in Abuja, expressed confidence that the party and its candidate have the capacity to secure a major victory at the polls.

Wachuku said that Fredrick emerged as the party’s standard-bearer through a consensus affirmation during the primaries held across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

He described the candidate as a “young and tenacious grassroots politician” who had demonstrated strong leadership capacity and consistent dedication to the cause of national renewal.

Wachuku said that the presidential candidate had initially founded the ‘Ward2Ward’, grassroots support group, before founding the NDP in 2026 to serve the country more effectively.

He noted that at the party’s first National Executive Council (NEC) congress, Fredrick had also emerged as its first National Chairman, alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC), in an exercise observed by INEC officials.

“NDP is a progressive political family that recognises the inherent value of the female gender and the energy of the youth,” he said.

The publicity secretary added that Fredrick’s candidacy embodied the party’s core mission of giving Nigerians hope, upholding a bright future for the nation and putting Nigeria first.

Outlining the party’s vision for national renewal, Wachuku highlighted key target areas, including provision of basic infrastructure to support job creation as well as a deliberate economic shift toward inward processing of Nigeria’s natural resources.

“NDP believes that Nigeria’s renewal must reflect the urgent and expected desires of Nigerians.

“This includes basic infrastructure that supports economic growth and jobs; accessible, affordable healthcare for all Nigerians; quality education and investments that strengthen human capital, welfare and social support for the elderly and retirees.

“We also have a deliberate plan for harnessing Nigeria’s natural resources inwardly, transforming them into value-added production and positioning Nigeria as an exporter of finished goods, not only raw materials,” he said.

On governance, Wachuku pledged that the party would run an inclusive administration that accommodates women and youths in decision-making, while prioritising the elimination of waste and leakages across government sectors.

He also expressed NDP’s commitment to safeguarding true federalism by ensuring fairness and accountability across federal, state and local governments.

In the 2027 elections, Wachuku expressed confidence in the party’s grassroots structure, declaring a strict electoral target.

“NDP commits to working vigorously to secure at least 25 per cent of the votes in at least two-thirds of the states of Nigeria, driven by credibility, discipline and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.

In her acceptance speech, Fredrick described her emergence as a huge responsibility, noting that the nation urgently required the empathetic leadership that women could provide.

“This responsibility is huge, but with God on our side, we will do our best. Nigeria has come a long way; a lot is happening, and we need women.

“At this point in our lives, we need great women who can speak out passionately and be heard. We will do our best to make sure we give Nigerians the light of hope and fulfil all the promises in our manifesto,” Fredrick said.

She further stated that the party would soon unveil its full manifesto to the public, which would clearly demonstrate why the NDP remained the best political option for the country.

“I will not fail you, I will not fail my country. I will do my best as a woman, a mother and a sister.

“We are calling on Nigerian women and the youth to join hands with us to make Nigeria a better place for all of us,” she said.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, the 2027 NDP candidate for House of Representatives, Abuja South, David Oroge, described Fredrick as a grassroots woman with the capacity to mobilise votes and win the election.

“I believe very strongly in her, and we’ve worked with her for a while, and I see her grassroots skills, especially the kind of soldiers that she marshals for the job. So I believe in her worth,” Oroge said.

He advised Nigerian youths to support the presidential candidate, whom he described as “a woman with pure hands and a pure heart, not to rule, but to lead.”

NAN

By Isa Abdul, Abuja

The Benue State Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN has embarked on a statewide tour, consulting and assuring Benue communities, professional bodies, cultural groups and political stakeholders about the socio- economic fortunes awaiting them, once he is voted as governor in 2027.

The consultations tagged by followers as “Prof. Hon’s Vision for the Food Basket” have provided a veritable platform for robust interface between the governorship hopeful and citizens of Benue State.

From Makurdi to Otukpo,, Gboko to Ugba and Adikpo, the senior lawyer has met with farmers, traders, academics, traditional rulers, youth groups and political actors, listening more than he speaks.

From the intersections, there is no doubt
Security remains at the top of the agenda in every conversation.

Communities displaced by conflict have repeatedly urged Prof. Hon to initiate the process of returning them to their ancestral homes.

The governorship hopeful has pledged to prioritize security and social order, stressing that no development plan can succeed without peace.

Agriculture, Benue State’s s natural strength is central to his blueprint.

Prof. Hon has promised an off-take scheme in which government will purchase produce at harvest when prices are low, store and release them into the market at reasonable prices during periods of scarcity.

He argues that the arrangement will protect farmers from exploitation and shield urban consumers from price shocks, ensuring both producer and consumer benefit.

To boost productivity, he is proposing early delivery of farming inputs at subsidized prices.

Fertilizer, herbicides and improved seeds, he notes must reach farmers before planting season, not months after.

He also wants to revive storage infrastructure, including silos and warehouses to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize prices.

Beyond farming, Prof. Hon’s consultations have highlighted the need for rural transformation, job creation and educational reform.

He maintains that development must move beyond Makurdi and reach the villages, where the majority of Benue people live.

Employment, he says, will be driven by agriculture, agro-processing and investment in skills training for young people.

The SDP candidate has also waded into governance issues. He spoke against the illegal exploitation of mineral resources in the state and pledged to enforce local government autonomy as provided by law, arguing that grassroots development depends on giving councils the resources and freedom to function.

Unity, he told audiences must be both a goal and a strategy, describing his vision as “unity of purpose and full development” for all Benue people, irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliation.

Prof. Hon’s background as a philanthropist and senior advocate has shaped the tone of the consultations.

Many of those he has met describe him as accessible, generous and selfless, with a clear passion for Benue’s progress.

Participants at several of the meetings have expressed admiration for his genuine concern for ordinary citizens and his willingness to engage directly with grassroots communities.

As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 governorship election, there is growing anticipation among his supporters.

Many say they are ready to work assiduously for the success of the legal luminary, convinced that his experience, intellect and connection with the people position him to lead Benue State out of poverty and insecurity.

For Prof. Hon, the message from his consultations is clear: Benue State’s future lies in security, productive agriculture, functional education, rural transformation and a united people.

How these messages, engagements and goodwill can translate into votes in 2027 is what political watchers are waiting to see.

For now, the Food Basket tour continues and with it, Benue State’s conversation about the kind of leadership it wants next.

By Son Tertsea, Abuja

Peter Obi, candidate of the National Democratic Congress NDC and Sheyi Makinde, of Allied People’s Movemt, APM have given acceptance speeches after affirmation by their political parties.

At the NDC convention Obi unveiled his roadmap for national recovery.

“It is with deep humility that I accept the role of presidential candidate of our party. I express my profound gratitude to the leaders of our party, His Excellency Seriake Dickson, the National Chairman, National Secretary, members of the National Working Committee, our relentless supporters and the Nigerian people who have steadfastly kept the spirit of hope alive,” he said.

The erstwhile Anambra State governor described Nigeria as a country at critical crossroads:

“Businesses are struggling, communities are suffering, and an alarming number of citizens have lost faith in the very concept of governance.

“Yet, I stand before you filled with optimism and strong faith in the resilience of our people, for I firmly believe that a new Nigeria is possible.

“In terms of security, the situation in Nigeria has considerably worsened. The global terrorism impact assessments ranked Nigeria as the eighth most affected nation in 2022, sixth in 2024, and fourth in 2026.”

Obi promised to solve the problem of insecurity with intelligence-driven and technology-based security reforms while addressing the root causes of violence: poverty and unemployment.

“We must address insecurity with resolve and urgency, for no nation can thrive while its citizens live in trepidation. The primary responsibility of government is to ensure the protection of lives and property,”

He further promised major reforms in the healthcare sector:

“Nigeria suffers from one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world. Furthermore, health insurance coverage in Nigeria hovers at a mere 10 per cent.

“This situation is regrettable. I pledge that within four years, our health insurance coverage will more than double to over 20 per cent.”

On power, Obi said:

“Nigeria today is the nation with the highest number of citizens lacking access to electricity globally. We currently generate and distribute a mere 4,000 megawatts of electricity for a population exceeding 200 million,” he regretted promising the distribution by at least 10,000 megawatts within four years of presidency.

On his part, Sheyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, after emerging as the presidential candidate of Allied People’s Movement, APM, unveiled a reset agenda rooted in economic restructuring, petroleum sector overhaul and a decentralised security architecture.

“I stand before you today with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility as I accept the nomination to serve as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I believe the answer is simple… Nigeria must reset. We cannot continue recycling the same leadership approaches while expecting different results. A new direction must emerge; one built on competence, courage, accountability and compassion for the people.”

He promised reforms that directly improve citizens’ welfare, insisting that governance must be practical rather than rhetorical. That Nigeria must derive greater benefits from its status as an oil-producing nation, promising reforms in pricing, institutional efficiency and accountability within the petroleum sector.

“Nigerians must benefit from being an oil-producing country just like other oil-producing countries in the world.

“We will pursue fair, transparent and right pricing templates for petroleum products that reflect the realities of the cost of production. Nigerians must be protected from arbitrary pricing.

“I dare dream that the NNPC will be reformed and become lean, efficient and commercially driven through proper joint venture incorporation and institutional reforms.

“I dare dream that we will reset Nigeria and take the difficult but necessary decision to restructure the ownership of our refineries so Nigeria can finally stop bleeding resources into systems that no longer serve the people effectively.”

On national security, Makinde lamented the powerlessness of state governors called Chief Security Officers without constitutional control over security agencies.

“As Governor of Oyo State, I carry the painful burden of being called Chief Security Officer, yet lacking constitutional control over the security agencies needed to fully confront these threats.

“As President of Nigeria, I will work to reform our national security architecture so that states are no longer left helpless in moments of crisis. The decentralisation that we need for more effective security will be prioritised,” he assured.

Makinde equally expressed concern over ongoing kidnappings and insecurity across the country, describing them as a national emergency requiring urgent reforms.

The governor promised food security, transport reforms and agricultural productivity, stressing the need for data-driven planning.

He added that transportation costs had become a major burden for Nigerians and would require practical interventions based on tested models, to be issue-based and focused on solutions rather than political rhetoric:

“We will start with collating accurate data on our capacity in the agriculture sector so that we can address the gaps in production, processing, agrologistics and storage.

“I do not stand here promising miracles. I stand here promising leadership that listens, leadership that acts, and leadership that understands that governance must improve the lives of ordinary people.”

At the event, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Jatau, led a delegation from the North-East to endorse Makinde’s candidacy, describing him as the leader Nigeria needed at its critical moment in history:

“We are here on behalf of the government and people of Bauchi State to support, endorse and celebrate the emergence of our dear distinguished brother, Oluwaseyi Makinde, as the presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement.

“Makinde possesses the qualities required to lead Nigeria towards progress and national renewal. We firmly believe that he is the leader Nigeria needs at this critical moment in our nation’s history. We are confident that he possesses the vision, competence, experience and commitment required to move Nigeria forward and deliver the leadership our people deserve.

“I wish to assure our brothers and sisters gathered here today that Bauchi State, the North-East region, and indeed many patriotic Nigerians across the northern part of the country stand firmly behind the APM movement.

“The people of Oyo and the people of Bauchi share a strong bond of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect. Our destinies are interconnected, and our aspirations for a better Nigeria are the same.”

The APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, presented the party’s flag and Certificate of Return to Makinde, describing his emergence as the beginning of a broader political movement tagged: “Reset Nigeria Agenda.”

He said state chairmen and stakeholders unanimously supported Makinde’s nomination with event marking the birth of the “Reset Nigeria Movement.”