Senator Kabiru Marafa has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Zamfara State ahead of the 2027 election.

Marafa secured the party’s ticket through a consensus agreement during a meeting held in Gusau, the state capital.

The chairman of the party’s electoral committee, Aminu Jelani, officially announced him as the NDC candidate.

Speaking after the announcement, Marafa thanked party members for their support and promised to provide responsible leadership if elected governor.

He said corruption has slowed development in Zamfara and pledged to promote accountability and the prudent management of public funds.

Marafa also promised to improve governance, raise living standards for residents, and provide equal opportunities for people across the state.

The former senator recently joined the NDC after leaving the ADC, a move earlier confirmed by party leader Seriake Dickson.

According to a statement from the party, Marafa agreed to help strengthen the NDC and lead its activities in Zamfara State.

Prof. James Ene-Nwannaji has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ene-Nwannaji was declared winner of the party’s governorship primary election held on Friday, defeating other aspirants including Chief Chinyeaka Ohaa and Senator Gilbert Nnaji.

Announcing the outcome, the Secretary of the NDC in Enugu State, Dr. Sebastine Okafor, said the primary election was conducted across the 17 local government areas of the state in line with directives from the party’s national secretariat.

Okafor stated that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, monitored the exercise.

He also announced the winners of the party’s senatorial primary elections in the three senatorial zones of the state.

According to him, Dr. Chika Obetta emerged as the candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District, Dr. Mrs. Celelia Ikechukwu won the ticket for Enugu East Senatorial District, while Barr. Mrs. Ugochi Ohajekwe secured the party’s ticket for Enugu West Senatorial District.

The party further released names of some House of Representatives candidates.

Dr. Stephen Ugwoke emerged candidate for Nsukka/Igboeze South Federal Constituency, while Barr. Chimezie Nwodo won the ticket for Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency.

Barr. Kene Nnadi was announced as candidate for Enugu North/South Federal Constituency, Comrade Felix Ijegalu emerged for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, while Barr. Onyebuchi Nwabueze secured the ticket for Igboetiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency.

Okafor added that the remaining list of House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates would be released later.

Reacting to the outcome of the exercise, the NDC Chairman in Enugu State, Dr. Johnpaul Ani, described the primary election as peaceful and well organised.

Ani said the exercise was conducted in line with the party’s guidelines and the Electoral Act 2026.

According to him, the successful conduct of the primary election reflected the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.

He urged aspirants who did not emerge victorious to accept the outcome and work with the party ahead of the governorship election scheduled for January 2027.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has restated that his administration remains committed to the “Rivers First” principle, describing it as the foundation upon which his government’s decisions and developmental programmes have been built over the last three years.

In a message released to commemorate the third anniversary of his administration, the governor said the well-being of Rivers people has remained central to every action taken by his government since he assumed office.

A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, explained that the administration’s extensive investment in road construction was designed to improve access between rural and urban communities while also boosting economic activities across the state.

Governor Fubara said major infrastructure projects such as the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Trans-Kalabari Highway, the Elele/Umudioga/Egbeda/Ubimini/Ikiri/Omoku Road and the Ngo-Atlantic/Oyorokoto Road were initiated as part of efforts to attract investments and accelerate development in Rivers State.

He thanked Rivers residents for the confidence reposed in him to lead the state, promising not to betray the trust placed in his administration and assuring that public resources would continue to be used responsibly for the benefit of the people.

Governor Fubara attributed the progress recorded by his government within the past three years to the determination, support and hardworking spirit of the people of Rivers State.

“What we have achieved in three years is proof that when government and citizens pull in the same direction, progress is possible.

“As we mark this anniversary, I renew my commitment to you: to lead with transparency, listen more than I speak and ensure that every project, every policy, and every naira spent reflects your interest,” he said.

The governor admitted that there is still more to be accomplished and urged all segments of the population, including elders, youths, women, traders, teachers, artisans, farmers and professionals, to continue contributing to the growth and development of the state.

Fubara also used the occasion to felicitate with Rivers people and Nigerians as the country celebrates 27 consecutive years of democratic governance, describing it as the longest uninterrupted civilian administration since Nigeria gained independence.

He added that the uninterrupted democratic journey of the country shows that despite ethnic and political differences, Nigerians can continue to live together and collectively pursue national progress.