The Labour Party in Sokoto State has chosen Haliru Dikko as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
Dikko was selected at the party’s substitution primary conducted in Sokoto on Tuesday, following the withdrawal of the candidate who previously won the party’s governorship ticket.
The state Chairman of the Labour Party, Abubakar Yawale, said the substitution exercise was carried out with Dikko’s approval and in the presence of relevant officials, party members and stakeholders.
Yawale said, “All the state executives were here, INEC officials were here, security agencies were here, and our party supporters across the state were also present.
“This is to tell you that this is legal. We notified all the security agencies. The Commissioner of Police is aware, the Director of Security and the Commandant of the NSCDC are all aware of our activities.”
He explained that the party’s national leadership as well as the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission were informed about the exercise.
Yawale also dismissed concerns over Dikko’s absence from the venue, saying the process remained valid because the candidate had consented to the substitution and completed the required documentation.
“All that we need is his consent, and he has given it. His running mate is here, all the party executives are here, and all his documents have been signed,” Yawale said.
The party chairman described Dikko as an experienced grassroots politician who had served at various levels of local government administration. He said the candidate’s extensive experience across the state would strengthen his chances in the 2027 election.
“He is popular; he is a grassroots man. He worked from the local government to the zone and to the state. He has been to almost a third of the local governments in the state,” Yawale said.
He also urged the electorate to assess Dikko’s record against those of candidates from other political parties, stating, “Among all the gubernatorial candidates in other political parties, there is none better than our candidate. Go and check who he is.”
Accepting the party’s ticket, Dikko expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the Labour Party for their confidence in him.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to serve,” he said.
He promised to collaborate with the party leadership, candidates, members and residents of Sokoto State to promote unity, peace and development.
“I pledge to work with our party leadership, candidates, members and the good people of Sokoto State to build a united, peaceful, prosperous and progressive Sokoto.
“Together, with the support of our people, we shall present a credible alternative and pursue victory for the Labour Party in 2027.”
The latest primary became necessary after the Labour Party’s former governorship candidate withdrew from the race. The former candidate had secured the party’s ticket during an earlier primary conducted in May 2026.
