The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) recently held a large-scale mobilisation in Ilorin, Kwara State, as part of its efforts to promote the Obi-Kwankwaso campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. The procession, dubbed the "one million-man march," covered over nine kilometres in the state capital, drawing significant attention from residents. Several NDC candidates, including Abdulrasheed Sulaiman Omoda and Hon. Dr. Thomas Audu Gana, attended the event.
According to Abdulsalami Abdulganiyu, the state NDC Chairman, the rally aimed to demonstrate the party's presence and take its message directly to the electorate. He expressed confidence in the party's chances, citing Peter Obi's impressive performance in the 2023 presidential election, where he secured 31,166 votes in Kwara. Obi's showing in Ilorin, particularly in Ilorin West and Ilorin South, provides a foundation for the NDC to build upon.
The NDC has affirmed Obi as its presidential candidate and Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 election. Omoda, the party's Kwara Central senatorial candidate, highlighted the need for the party's intervention in the state, citing widespread economic hardship. While the National Bureau of Statistics reports a multidimensional poverty rate of 69.1 per cent in Kwara Central, 74.2 per cent in Kwara North, and 72.6 per cent in Kwara South, Omoda stated that Kwara's multidimensional poverty rate stands at 63 per cent.
Gana, the party's Kwara North senatorial candidate, expressed optimism about the party's prospects, citing growing dissatisfaction with the current administration's performance. He noted that voters in his zone are increasingly disillusioned with the ruling party. Namo Phillip of Diaspora for Good Governance (DGG) also spoke at the event, urging Nigerians to prioritize the country's interests.
The procession offered the NDC an opportunity to take its message beyond conventional gatherings and into the heart of Ilorin. The party's next challenge will be sustaining the momentum generated by the mobilisation and converting it into an organised grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 election. The event marks a significant step in the NDC's efforts to build a strong presence in Kwara State.
Obi's previous performance in the 2023 presidential election provides a measurable baseline for the NDC as it seeks to extend the appeal of the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket. The party is looking to build on Obi's established urban presence in Ilorin and expand its reach beyond the support recorded by Obi under the Labour Party platform in 2023.
The NDC's emergence in Kwara comes against the backdrop of economic hardship, with the party positioning itself as a "rescue mission" for the state. The party's candidates and leaders are working to establish a strong grassroots presence, with a focus on addressing the concerns of voters and presenting a viable alternative to the current administration.
Key points
- NDC takes Obi-Kwankwaso campaign to Ilorin with massive mobilisation
- Peter Obi's 2023 presidential election performance provides a foundation for NDC's 2027 campaign
- NDC aims to build on Obi's urban presence in Ilorin and expand its reach in Kwara State
