Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Labour Party has elected Haliru Dikko as its new governorship candidate for the 2027 Sokoto State election following the withdrawal of the candidate previously chosen to represent the party.
Dikko emerged at a substitution primary held by the party in Sokoto on Tuesday, with the exercise conducted in the presence of party officials, supporters, security agencies and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The state Chairman of the Labour Party, Abubakar Yawale, said the substitution complied with the required procedures and was carried out with Dikko’s consent.
“All the state executives were here, INEC officials were here, security agencies were here, and our party supporters across the state were also present.”
Yawale said relevant security authorities, the party’s national leadership and INEC headquarters had been notified ahead of the exercise.
He also dismissed concerns over Dikko’s absence from the venue, explaining that the new candidate had consented to the substitution and signed the necessary documents.
“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,” he said.
The party chairman described Dikko as an experienced grassroots politician whose political career had taken him through local government, zonal and state-level structures.
“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 expressed confidence in Dikko’s chances in the 2027 Sokoto governorship election, urging voters to assess the candidate’s experience and credentials alongside those of contenders from other political parties.
“Among all the gubernatorial candidates in other political parties, there is none better than our candidate. Go and check who he is,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Dikko thanked the Labour Party leadership and members for selecting him and pledged to strengthen the party’s position as a political alternative in Sokoto State.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to serve,” he said.
“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 substitution primary became necessary after the Labour Party’s previous governorship candidate, who was elected at the party’s May 2026 primary, withdrew from the race.
