The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has concluded governorship primaries in Plateau, Oyo, Kaduna, Katsina, Abia, Nasarawa, Rivers, Cross River, Taraba and Kano states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Naija News reports that the exercises produced candidates through direct contests, consensus arrangements and affirmation votes across the affected states.
In Plateau State, Kefas Ropshik emerged as the PDP 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 and prosperous state.
He said, “I humbly accept the nomination of our great party with gratitude and a renewed commitment to place Plateau First.
“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 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.
Gbolarumi Emerges In Oyo
In Oyo State, former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, won the PDP governorship ticket.
The Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee in the state, Tolulope Awoniyi, said Gbolarumi polled 3,615 votes to defeat Beulah Adeoye, who scored 22 votes.
“By the powers vested in me as chairman of the PDP governorship primary election committee in Oyo state, I hereby declare Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi as the duly elected candidate,” Awoniyi said.
Gbolarumi thanked delegates and party leaders for supporting him.
“I appreciate our delegates, leaders, and supporters across the 33 local government areas for believing in our shared vision for Oyo state,” he said.
Bawa Wins Kaduna Primary
In Kaduna State, former House of Representatives member, Shehu Bawa, secured the PDP governorship ticket after polling 124,170 votes.
He defeated Haruna Saeed, who scored 22,010 votes. After his victory, Bawa pledged to tackle insecurity and poverty in the state.
Lado Affirmed In Katsina
In Katsina State, former senator, Garba Lado Danmarke, emerged as the PDP consensus governorship candidate.
The Chairman of the Election Committee, Muhammad Kankara, said 77,013 valid votes were cast in favour of Lado during the affirmation exercise.
“Having scored the majority of the lawful votes cast, Senator Garba Yakubu Lado Danmarke is hereby declared the winner of the PDP governorship primary election in Katsina state,” Kankara said.
Dalhatu Defeats Abacha In Kano
In Kano State, Muhammad Bello Dalhatu defeated Mohammed Abacha, the eldest son of the late former Head of State, Sani Abacha, to secure the PDP governorship ticket.
The Chairman of the Election Committee, Umar Hadejia, said Dalhatu polled 2,233 votes, while Abacha scored 749 votes.
“Having scored the highest number of valid votes cast, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Dalhatu is hereby declared the winner of the PDP governorship primary election and consequently returned as the party’s candidate for Kano state,” Hadejia said.
The committee commended aspirants, party officials and security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the exercise.
Ombugadu, Bwacha, Ejekwu Emerge
In Nasarawa State, former House of Representatives member, 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 his endorsement as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by members across the three senatorial zones.
Ombugadu thanked stakeholders and supporters, saying the PDP remained united and prepared to reclaim power in Nasarawa in 2027. He also named Yahaya Ohinoye as his running mate.
In Taraba State, former senator representing Taraba South, Emmanuel Bwacha, emerged as the party’s sole governorship candidate through consensus affirmation in Jalingo.
Bwacha pledged to focus on infrastructure, economic development and inclusive governance if elected governor.
In Rivers State, Sam Ejekwu, an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, 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.
Abia, Cross River Candidates
The PDP also produced candidates in Abia and Cross River states.
Kelechi Anosike emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Abia State, while Arthur Jarvis secured the ticket in Cross River State.
