The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has concluded its governorship primaries in 10 of the 36 states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The states are Plateau, Oyo, Kaduna, Katsina, Abia, Nasarawa, Rivers, Cross River, Taraba and Kano states.
In Plateau state, Kefas Ropshik emerged as the party’s governorship candidate after polling 19,938 votes to defeat three other aspirants.
Ropshik, founder of Kefiano Group and Kefiano Autos, described his victory as a mandate for a “united, secure and prosperous Plateau”.
“I humbly accept the nomination of our great party with gratitude and a renewed commitment to place Plateau First,” he said.
“This victory belongs to the people, and together, we will build a united, secure, and prosperous Plateau.”
The businessman also pledged to serve only one four year term if elected governor.
“Keeping in line with the already laid out zoning agreement that keeps the peace, stability and unity of the Plateau people together, I intend to spend just four years in government,” he said.
In Oyo, a former Deputy Governor of the state, Hazeem Gbolarumi, emerged as the PDP governorship candidate.
Tolulope Awoniyi, chairman of the PDP governorship primary election committee in in the state, said Gbolarumi secured 3,615 votes to defeat Beulah Adeoye, who polled 22 votes.
Gbolarumi thanked delegates and party leaders for supporting his ambition.
“I appreciate our delegates, leaders, and supporters across the 33 local government areas for believing in our shared vision for Oyo state,” he said.
In Kaduna state, a former member of the House of Representatives, Shehu Bawa, secured the PDP governorship ticket after polling 124,170 votes to defeat his opponent, Haruna Saeed, who scored 22,010 votes.
Following his victory, Bawa pledged to tackle insecurity and poverty in Kaduna state.
In Katsina, former Senator Garba Lado emerged as the PDP consensus governorship candidate.
Muhammad Kankara, chairman of the election committee, said 77,013 valid votes were cast in favour of Danmarke during the affirmation exercise.
In Kano state, Muhammad Dalhatu defeated Mohammed Abacha, eldest son of the late former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, to secure the party’s governorship ticket.
Umar Hadejia, chairman of the election committee, said Dalhatu polled 2,233 votes while Abacha secured 749 votes.
The committee commended aspirants, party officials and security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.
In Nasarawa state, former member of the House of Representatives, David Ombugadu, emerged as the PDP governorship candidate during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lafia supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Party leaders described the endorsement as a reflection of the confidence reposed in Ombugadu by party members across the state.
Speaking after his emergence, Ombugadu thanked party stakeholders and supporters for their trust in his leadership.
He said the PDP remained united and prepared to reclaim power in Nasarawa State in 2027.
Ombugadu also announced Yahaya Ohinoye as his running mate.
In Taraba state, Emmanuel Bwacha, former senator representing Taraba South, emerged as the PDP’s sole governorship candidate through a consensus affirmation process conducted in Jalingo.
Bwacha pledged to focus on infrastructure, economic development and inclusive governance if elected governor.
In Rivers state, Sam Ejekwu, an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, emerged as the PDP consensus governorship candidate after affirmation votes by delegates across local government areas.
Party stakeholders described his emergence as a reflection of his grassroots political structure and public service experience.
The PDP also produced governorship candidates in Abia and Cross River states.
Kelechi Anosike emerged as the party’s candidate in Abia, while Arthur Jarvis secured the PDP ticket in Cross River State.
