Nasarawa North By‑Election: NDC Forecasts Win, Urges Support for Dodo

By Edwin Philip, Lafia

The national leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed confidence that its candidate, Arch. Ishaya Dodo, will win the Nasarawa North Senatorial bye‑election scheduled for Saturday. The party cites widespread grassroots support and increasing momentum across the district.

Speaking at the grand finale of the campaign in Akwanga on Thursday, NDC National Vice Chairman for North Central, Engr. Banabas Ejisi, said the party is optimistic about securing the poll.

Ejisi, who represented key national figures of the party—including National Leader Senator Seriake Dickson, presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, running mate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the party’s national chairman—described the election as crucial for restoring effective representation to the senatorial district after the death of former Senator Godiya Akwashiki.

He noted that the people of Nasarawa North have endured a long period without representation in the Senate, and that electing Dodo would help fill the vacuum left by the late lawmaker.

“The people of this zone have been short‑changed since the demise of Senator Godiya Akwashiki. Arch. Ishaya Dodo will provide quality legislative representation and work to make up for the period the district lacked a voice in the Senate,” Ejisi said.

He urged party supporters to mobilise massively for the election and ensure victory for the NDC candidate, whom he described as capable of delivering effective representation.

Ejisi, accompanied by party delegations from Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and Benue states, said the bye‑election was of strategic importance to the party’s national leadership.

While explaining the absence of some national leaders, he noted that they remained committed to the campaign and confident of the party’s prospects in the state.

“We are here to appreciate the people of Akwanga and the entire Nasarawa North Senatorial District for the overwhelming support shown to Arch. Dodo. We believe that support will be translated into votes on election day,” he said.

Earlier, the NDC State Chairman, Hon. Dogo Shammah, called on party members and supporters to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the poll, describing the election as a major test of the party’s growing influence in Nasarawa State.

According to him, the NDC is laying the foundation for a strong political future in the state based on unity, credible leadership and people‑oriented governance.

“NDC is preparing for a strong political future in Nasarawa State, built on unity, hard work and credible representation. Our party remains the only platform in Nigeria with zero internal crisis, and we are ready to deliver results for the people,” he said.

Also speaking, the party’s 2027 governorship candidate in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Yakubu Maidoya, described the rally as a clear demonstration of the people’s desire for change.

He noted that supporters from Akwanga, Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon local government areas turned out in large numbers, reflecting growing acceptance of the party.

“Our party is about service to the people. We are committed to serving women, youths, men, elders and persons living with disabilities. The turnout today shows that the people are embracing the NDC and its vision,” Maidoya said.

The NDC senatorial candidate, Arch. Ishaya Dodo, expressed confidence that the large turnout at the rally would translate into votes on election day.

He dismissed suggestions that supporters at the event were hired, insisting they were genuine party faithful and residents seeking positive change.

“The crowd you see here is not a rented crowd. These are people who genuinely believe in our vision and want better representation. Their support will be reflected at the ballot box,” Dodo said.

He also urged voters to familiarise themselves with the party’s logo and seek guidance from party agents at polling units to avoid invalid votes.

In a separate interview, the NDC candidate for the Akwanga/Wamba/Nasarawa Eggon Federal Constituency, Hon. Bashayi Ovey Albert, appealed to voters to support Dodo, describing him as a vibrant leader with a strong record of service to his community.

Albert said the NDC remained a progressive platform with a clear vision for governance and called on women, youths and elders across the district to turn out en masse and vote for the party’s candidate.

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