The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have met with the party’s governorship candidates for Bauchi, Sokoto and Borno states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The meeting was held at Kwankwaso’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.
Those present included the Bauchi governorship candidate, Ibrahim Kashim; Sokoto candidate, Dr Shamsu Aliyu; and Borno candidate, retired Admiral Sunusi Ibrahim.
According to the NDC, the meeting focused on campaign strategies, the readiness of the candidates and plans to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Other party leaders at the meeting included Buba Galadima, Kebbi State Chairman Alhaji Mustapha Umar and Sokoto State Chairman Alhaji Bello Yabo.
The party said the discussions were aimed at improving coordination among its candidates and structures, particularly across the northern states.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has unveiled a 25-page governance document outlining its plans if elected in 2027.
The document, titled “The Orange Book,” was presented in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi.
The ADC proposed the abolition of opaque security votes and called for stronger legislative oversight of security-related spending.
The party also proposed tighter controls on official travel, saying government officials should only undertake essential and cost-effective trips.
It further proposed restrictions on the use of government vehicles, residences, aircraft, offices and other public assets, insisting that they should be used strictly for official purposes.
The ADC also promised tougher measures against corruption and the diversion of public resources.
On the economy, the party said it would focus on creating jobs, reducing poverty and supporting private businesses while promoting fair competition.
It also proposed reforms in the education sector to better align education with technological development, skills acquisition and economic growth.
The party said it would strengthen institutions, protect whistleblowers and promote equal opportunities for youths, women and persons with disabilities.
The development comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with economic hardship, insecurity, corruption and the cost of governance expected to remain major campaign issues.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi has denied reports claiming that he asked Nigerian soldiers to reject the salary increase recently approved by President Bola Tinubu.
Obi described the report as false and urged Nigerians to disregard it.
In a statement shared on his X account, the former Anambra State governor said he has consistently advocated better welfare, equipment and protection for members of the security forces.
President Tinubu had approved salary increases of between 30 and 80 per cent for personnel of the armed forces, effective September 1, 2026.
The increase is expected to benefit about 250,000 personnel and raise the annual salary bill for the armed forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.
Obi said the welfare, safety and resources of Nigerian soldiers would remain a priority if he is elected president.
He also promised that soldiers would not be left unprotected while carrying out their duties.
He therefore urged Nigerians to ignore the report linking him to a call for soldiers to reject the salary increase.
