A group within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has called on the party’s governorship candidate to consider Mr Paul Tase as his running mate ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing fairness, inclusiveness and political balance.
The appeal was made under the platform of the ADC Unity Forum, which urged Alhaji Abubakar Malami, SAN, to pick Tase as deputy governorship candidate in the spirit of equity and broad-based representation.
Coordinator of the forum, Garba Abdulkareem, made the position known in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
Malami, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, secured the ADC governorship ticket in Kebbi State for the 2027 elections.
The group noted that while Malami is from Kebbi Central, Tase hails from Kebbi South Senatorial District, arguing that his inclusion would promote regional balance and strengthen the party’s appeal across the state.
In the statement, the ADC Unity Forum described itself as a coalition of party members, professionals, youths, women and community leaders committed to strengthening the party and improving its electoral prospects in Kebbi State.
It said its formation was driven by the belief that addressing the state’s development challenges requires unity, strategic planning and leadership choices guided by the public interest.
The forum added that it is committed to building a stronger, more cohesive ADC capable of delivering credible and transformational governance to the people of Kebbi State.
It further urged the party leadership and its governorship candidate to give serious consideration to Tase as a potential deputy governorship nominee ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the group, consultations had been held with Tase, who reportedly expressed willingness to accept the role if selected by the party and its candidate.
The recommendation, it said, was based on merit, experience and the need for inclusive political representation.
The statement recalled that Tase was the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 elections and previously served in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), where he retired as an economist and administrator.
It added that his background in economic planning, resource management and public administration would be valuable in addressing Kebbi’s developmental challenges.
The forum also described Tase as a leader with strong values of integrity, professionalism and public service, which it said would strengthen the party’s ticket.
It maintained that selecting a candidate from Kebbi South would enhance fairness and help build a broader political coalition ahead of the polls.
The group clarified that its position was not intended to impose a decision on the party but to contribute to discussions on forming a strong and competitive ticket.
It also expressed confidence that electoral success would depend on the strength of the party’s candidates, their credibility and the level of public trust they command.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to party unity, grassroots mobilisation and constructive engagement as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.