PDP Picks Governorship Candidates in 10 States Amid Pantami Defection Row

The Peoples Democratic Party concluded governorship primaries across 10 Nigerian states to select candidates for the 2027 general elections, with the most contentious race unfolding in Gombe State. Former Minister of Communications Isa Ali Pantami, who withdrew from the All Progressives Congress primary citing irregularities, emerged as the PDP's Gombe candidate despite opposition from four party aspirants who argued his participation violated electoral laws after he had already contested the APC primary. A legal challenge by Abdulkadir Saleh followed Pantami's emergence.

In Enugu, former Minister of Innovation Uche Nnaji won decisively with 7,424 votes against Samson Nnamani's 600, then criticized Governor Peter Mbah's administration as built on lies and deceit. Nnaji pledged to focus on industrialization and serve only one term. In Kaduna, Usman Bawa Shehu secured 124,170 votes, defeating Haruna Kajuru who received 22,010, and vowed to prioritize security and poverty reduction.

In Kano, Muhammad Bello Dalhatu won with 2,233 votes over Mohammed Sani Abacha's 749. In Abia, Kelechi Anosike took 16,543 votes and outlined a people-first agenda including an Operation Feed the Abian program and a pledge to pay above the minimum wage. Kefas Ropshik won in Plateau with 19,938 votes, also promising a single four-year term. Other PDP candidates include Hazeem Gbolarumi in Oyo, David Ombugadu in Nasarawa, Emmanuel Bwacha in Taraba, Sam Ejekwu in Rivers, and Arthur Jarvis in Cross River.

Separately, a PDP faction backed by Nyesom Wike named Senator Sandy Onor as its consensus presidential candidate. The African Democratic Congress also held primaries, selecting candidates in Niger, Ogun, Benue, and Borno states, though the Ogun result was disputed.