Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who served as Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Nigeria’s former military head of state, the late General Sani Abacha, has officially declared his intention to run for president in the 2027 general election.
Al-Mustapha made his declaration on Tuesday in Minna, the capital of Niger State, during a meeting with state leaders and supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the platform under which he will be contesting.
During his address, Al-Mustapha expressed deep concern over the nation’s current state and affirmed his readiness to lead Nigeria with “honesty and a clear plan to fix the country.” He acknowledged that “the road ahead may be rough,” but stressed his belief that “together we can rebuild the Nigeria we all deserve.”
His campaign media director, Jubril Umar Sanda, released a statement confirming Al-Mustapha’s preparedness, stating he is “ready to serve with integrity, courage, and a clear plan for progress.”
Before his official declaration, Al-Mustapha had stopped in Minna en route to Mokwa to offer condolences and support to victims of a recent flood disaster that affected over 200 people. This visit, as highlighted by his campaign, underscored his belief in the necessity of strong leadership and unity to address Nigeria’s myriad problems.
Buhari Yarima, the SDP Chairman in Niger State, welcomed Al-Mustapha’s decision, commending his commitment to national service. Yarima expressed confidence that with “credible candidates and a clear vision,” the SDP is poised to be a significant force in the 2027 elections.
This announcement marks Al-Mustapha’s continued foray into presidential politics, having previously contested the presidential elections in 2019 under the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) and in 2023 under the Action Alliance (AA), though he was legally disqualified from the latter after a primary dispute [Source: Hamza al-Mustapha – Wikipedia]. His entry into the 2027 race under the SDP indicates a potential new alignment in the political landscape, particularly within Northern Nigeria.
