2027: Mammoth Crowd in Daura Signals ADC’s Rising Political Fortunes

By Abubakar Ahmed

The political landscape of Daura Senatorial District may have entered a new phase following the massive turnout recorded at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign flag-off held in the zone on Saturday.

Thousands of supporters, including youths, women, elderly people, the business community and political associates, gathered in Daura to identify with the party and its candidates contesting the senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The crowd, which filled the venue and its surrounding areas, was greeted by chants, songs and expressions of solidarity for the ADC. For party supporters, the gathering was more than a campaign event; it was a demonstration of their growing desire for political change and an indication that the opposition may be gaining ground in an area long regarded as a stronghold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

September 12, 2026, therefore, could become a significant date in the political history of Daura Senatorial District. The turnout challenged the long-standing narrative that the ruling party has no serious opposition in the zone.

However,  supporters argued that the sheer number of people who attended the event demonstrated that there is an emerging political alternative capable of mobilising support across the district as well capable of liberating the people of the area from the fangs of hunger, business deterioration among other social vices bedeviling the zone.

The mood at the gathering was largely centred on desired change as the mammoth gathering said they were attracted to the ADC because of what they described as the need for a new political direction capable of addressing the economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and other challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.

For the supporters, the ADC represents a vehicle through which they could express their dissatisfaction with the current political order through rallying for the party. They also expressed confidence in the party’s candidates, describing them as people with the experience and capacity to provide effective representation if elected.

The crowd repeatedly chanted “We must change them in Daura,” as speakers took turns addressing the gathering, setting the tone for a campaign that the party hopes will translate the enthusiasm witnessed at the flag-off into votes in 2027 that will translate to its victory at all levels across the country in 2027.

The ADC senatorial candidate for Daura Zone, Sani Lawal Garki, told the supporters that the size of the crowd had further strengthened his conviction that the people were ready for change.

Garki, who stressed his familiarity with the people and communities of the district, promised to provide inclusive and people-oriented representation if elected. He said his ambition was not simply to occupy a political office but to work with the people in building a better future for the district.

“Thank God, I am not a stranger here. You know me and you know my capability. I can tell you that together we can attain the liberation status we have been clamouring for.

“My doors will always be open as it is as always. We will build a better Daura from Daura with the good people of Daura. I know you have had it so rough these years and, with the grace of God, ADC will emerge victorious from top to bottom in 2027,” he said.

The Katsina State ADC governorship candidate, Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita, who was represented by his running mate, Arch. Aminu Yar’Adua Ahmed, also used the occasion to appeal to the electorate to support the party across all levels.

Kaita said the hardship being experienced by Nigerians under the APC-led government had become unbearable for many families, arguing that the country needed a change of direction for a better nation.

He said some of the policy proposals of the ADC presidential candidate, including the proposed return of fuel subsidy and reopening of Nigeria’s land borders, demonstrated what he described as the party’s commitment to putting the economy back on track and also give the nation a sense of direction.

“You know what ADC can do. We are with the masses and that is why we want you to vote ADC from bottom to top and from top to bottom,” he said.

According to him, the turnout in Daura demonstrated that the people were politically conscious and understood what they wanted adding that it clearly swept the claims that there is no opposition in Daura.

“Daura has shown to the world that it is a zone of concerned citizens who know what they want and how to get it. You want freedom, food security, security and socio-economic stability, and ADC is willing to give you that,” he added.

The party’s message resonated with the crowd, many of whom waved party flags and chanted slogans in support of its candidates.

Also addressing the supporters, the Katsina State ADC Deputy Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (retd.), described the turnout as a source of encouragement for the party and also a solace to all party members that indicated that ADC is the right party for Nigerian.

Tsiga said the growing support for ADC across the zone suggested that the party was gradually moving from the opposition bench towards becoming a major contender for political power in the state and beyond.

He, however, cautioned supporters against taking the 2027 elections for granted, urging them to preserve their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), remain mobilised and protect their votes on election day.

He said the ultimate test would not be the size of campaign crowds but the ability of supporters to translate their enthusiasm into votes and ensure that the votes cast were protected accordingly.

The Daura flag-off consequently offered the ADC an opportunity to project itself as a serious challenger in a district traditionally associated with the ruling party.

It is interesting to note that the gathering was optimistic that the impressive turnout will translate into electoral gains in  2027 polls, as the Saturday’s gathering has undoubtedly added a new dimension to the political conversation in Daura Senatorial District.