Former National Assembly (NASS) member, Senator Yakubu Lado Danmarke has emerged as gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Katsina State.

Danmarke emerged candidate Sunday afternoon during the party’s Gubernatorial Primary held at the Headquarters of the PDP in the state metropolitan area.

Though he was the party’s consensus aspirant, the former lawmaker nonetheless went through a voting process by more than 77,000 delegates.

The Chairman, PDP Gubernatorial Primary Election, who doubles as the party’s Returning Officer, Barr. Nuradeen Mamman Sani, announced Danmarke as the duly elected candidate for the 2027 general election.

Barr. Sani said 77,085 delegates were accredited for the exercise, while 77,013 votes were cast; he added that 72 delegates did not vote as they were absent when the voting process commenced.

Also a former House of Representatives member, Danmarke had contested for the gubernatorial seat on at least four occassions, including twice on platform of the PDP, once on the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and once on platform of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).

He is reportedd to be the candidate with the most number of attempts at the gubernatorial position since the current demicratic dispensation commenced in 1999.

In his acceptance speech, Danmarke expressed gratitude to the party’s leadership and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him.

He pleged that, if elected giveror, he would justify the trust by promoting inclusive leadership, transparency and people-oriented policies.

According to him, “I am deeply honoured by this confidence and overwhelming support from our great party. I accept this responsibility with humility and a strong commitment to serve the people of Katsina State diligently.”

The former lawmaker assured members if the party that he would carry everyone along and work towards uniting the PDP at all levels.

He also called on members of the PDP to remain steadfast and mobilise support for the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

He said the PDP remained committed to addressing challenges facing the state, including insecurity, unemployment and poverty.

Danmarke is expected to slug it out with All Progressive Congress’ (APC) candidate and incumbent state governor, Dr Dikko Radda, along candidates of other political parties yet to conduct their own gubernatorial primaries.