Chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State have urged party members and supporters to remain vigilant and ensure the protection of every vote in the 2027 general election, saying effective vote protection will be critical to the party’s electoral success.

The call was made on Saturday during the inauguration of the Jigawa State chapter of the Waziri Mobilisation Network (WMN), a grassroots political mobilisation group supporting the presidential ambition of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, at the ADC State Campaign Secretariat in Dutse.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Yakubu Nakudu challenged ADC supporters across the state to remain disciplined, loyal and committed throughout the electoral process.

He stressed that winning elections requires not only mobilising voters but also safeguarding the integrity of the ballot.

According to him, supporters must ensure that “every vote is cast, protected, defended, escorted, monitored and officially declared”.

Nakudu said the party’s supporters should remain organised at the grassroots and actively participate in voter mobilisation, civic engagement and election monitoring to ensure that votes count.

The inauguration also witnessed the swearing-in of the Waziri Mobilisation Network’s state and senatorial district leadership, with Muhammed Kamilu inaugurated as state coordinator and Haruna Sale Gumel as State Secretary.

Also inaugurated were Aliyu Yunusa Ringim as state youth leader, Mohammad Deni Hadejia as state publicity secretary and Mariya Usman Kazaure as State Women Leader.

The network’s coordinators for the three senatorial districts were also inaugurated to strengthen ward-level mobilisation across Jigawa State.

Addressing the gathering, the national secretary of the Waziri Mobilisation Network, Tahir Mu’azu Turaki, said the organisation was established to promote grassroots political participation, civic education, youth mobilisation and peaceful democratic engagement.

He explained that the network would focus on expanding voter registration awareness, community outreach and political organisation at the ward level ahead of the 2027 elections.

The vice presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabi’u Kwankwaso on Sunday received defectors from the All Progressives Congress, APC, into the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya Movement

Kwankwaso received Danlami Zakari Unguwar Gertai (Garkuwan Gari) of Gari Local Government Area, Kano State, alongside his supporters.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement disclosed this in a post on social media on Sunday.

According to the movement, the delegation was received at Kwankwaso’s residence along Miller Road, Kano State.

It added that the defectors pledged their loyalty and unwavering commitment to the movement and its vision for a better Nigeria.

This came barely 24 hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, published credentials and personal details of Kwankwaso and the presidential candidate of the NDC, Peter Obi, in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

The duo are former presidential candidates in 2023 in their various political parties.

They defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and then dumped the party for the NDC, citing internal divisions and court cases.

Mr Funsho Doherty, the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election, has urged eligible voters to vote according to their conscience and elect credible candidates capable of transforming the state.

Doherty made the appeal on Sunday at the 40th Anniversary celebration of St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Surulere, Lagos, with the theme: “Strong, Courageous and Committed.”

He said that the 2027 general election presented Lagos residents with another opportunity to redefine the state’s future through informed and responsible voting.

“The future of Lagos rests in the hands of its people.

“I urge every eligible voter to look beyond temporary inducements and cast their votes for candidates with integrity, competence and genuine commitment to public service,” he said.

Doherty said that Lagosians should not be swayed by immediate personal gains but should consider the long-term development of the state when making electoral decisions.

“For over 25 years, one political party has governed Lagos State.

“Democracy thrives on healthy competition, accountability and the opportunity for alternative ideas to flourish.

“It is time for Lagosians to evaluate all available options in the interest of the state,” he said.

The NDC governorship candidate also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that every legitimate vote counted, adding that transparent elections remained the bedrock of democracy.

“The credibility of any election depends on the integrity of the electoral process.

“Nigerians deserve elections where every vote counts and the will of the people is respected without compromise,” he said.

Doherty pledged that an NDC-led administration would prioritise the welfare of residents through improved infrastructure, affordable healthcare, quality education and sustainable economic policies aimed at raising living standards.

“Our administration will reposition Lagos to an enviable height by investing in people-oriented programmes, creating economic opportunities and restoring public confidence in governance.

“Lagos has the capacity to become a model megacity that works for everyone,” he said.

He further promised to modernise the state’s healthcare system, improve public transportation, strengthen security, support small and medium-scale enterprises and expand youth empowerment initiatives.

“Healthcare, education, transportation and job creation will receive urgent attention under our administration.

“We shall build institutions that serve the people efficiently and improve the quality of life across every community in Lagos,” he added.

Also speaking, the Vicar and Archdeacon of St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Surulere, the Rev. Chidi Ukachukwu, urged political office seekers and Nigerians to embrace integrity, courage and selfless service in leadership.

“The theme of this anniversary reminds us that true leadership is founded on courage, commitment and unwavering faith in God.

“Our leaders must place the interests of the people above personal ambitions,” he said.

Ukachukwu called on Christians to continue praying for Nigeria and to participate actively in nation-building by promoting peace, justice and unity before, during and after the 2027 general election.

“The Church has a responsibility to pray for the nation and encourage citizens to discharge their civic responsibilities peacefully.

“Elections should unite us rather than divide us,” he said.

The cleric also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.

He said that collective efforts, responsible leadership and God’s guidance would bring lasting progress to the country.

“With faith, accountability and sincere leadership, Nigeria can overcome its challenges.

“Every citizen has a role to play in building a peaceful, prosperous and united nation,” he added.