On Monday in Gusau, Alhaji Surajo Garba Maikatako, the state chairman of the [Nigeria Democratic Congress](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria_Democratic_Congress) in [Zamfara State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zamfara_State), called on party members and supporters to remain calm after media reports indicated that several NDC candidates were absent from the lists published by the [Independent National Electoral Commission](https://www.inecnigeria.org/). The appeal came as the party prepares for the upcoming [2027 general elections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2027_Nigerian_general_election).
**What triggered the appeal?**
Reports surfaced that the official candidate rosters released by INEC did not include the names of some individuals who had been nominated by the NDC to contest various positions in the forthcoming elections. The omission raised concerns among party activists about potential disenfranchisement.
**What did the NDC chairman say?**
Maikatako emphasized unity and lawful conduct, stating, "Our collective focus and singular priority is to win the 2027 general elections." He urged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and to obey the law throughout the campaign period.
**How does the party intend to address the issue?**
The chairman stressed that any contest with the state government must be fought at the ballot box, not through violence. "The only battle we must wage is to defeat this incompetent and visionless administration with votes, not with violence or thuggery," he declared.
The NDC’s message underscores a commitment to peaceful political engagement and a determination to resolve any procedural setbacks through democratic means rather than unrest.