The chief security officer to the late military head of state, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), has formally declared his intention challenge President Bola Tinubu for the presidency in 2027.
The spokesman for his campaign organisation, Mr Jubril Sanda, said in a statement that A-Mustapha who made the declaration in Minna, Niger State would vie for the coveted post on the ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Speaking at a strategic meeting of the state executive committee of the party in Minna, Al-Mustapha said was saddened by the development in the polity, nay, the country, hence his desire to wrest power from Tinubu.
He said his decision to join the race stemmed from his concerns about Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic conditions and the need for experienced and transparent leadership.
Al-Mustapha, who pledged to serve the country with integrity and a renewed vision aimed at rebuilding the nation, said: “I am pained and deeply concerned about the current state of the nation. However, with the right direction and commitment, Nigeria can rise again. Though the road ahead may be rough, together we can rebuild the Nigeria we all deserve.”
He stated that while the challenges facing the country are significant, they are not insurmountable if the right structures are put in place.
“The state of the nation is distressing, but Nigeria has what it takes to recover and grow. The problem is lack of direction and commitment,” he said.
He described the meeting as part of a broader strategy to engage with stakeholders across the country in preparation for the 2027 polls.
He said he was “fully prepared for the journey ahead, ready to serve with integrity, courage, and a clear plan for progress.”
The former security chief said his visit to Minna was part of a broader consultation process that will take him to various states as he prepares for the 2027 campaign.
“This is not just a declaration. It is the beginning of a movement to engage citizens and stakeholders nationwide,” he added.
Al-Mustapha, who stopped in Minna en route to Mokwa to commiserate with victims of a recent flood disaster that displaced over 200 people and destroyed property worth millions of naira, emphasised the urgent need for strong leadership, national unity, and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s complex challenges.
In his response the SDP chairman in the state, Mr Buhari Yarima, welcomed the declaration and praised the aspirant’s commitment to national service.
He also expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in the upcoming election.
“We are confident that with credible candidates and a clear vision, the SDP will be a force to reckon with in 2027,” he said.
