The race to 2027 is no longer happening behind closed doors.
Across Nigeria, political calculations are becoming public, alliances are forming, and parties are beginning to reveal who they believe can carry their ambitions into the next election cycle.
Now, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has completed governorship primaries in Plateau, Oyo, Kaduna, Katsina, Abia, Nasarawa, Rivers, Cross River, Taraba and Kano states — producing a mix of winners through contests, consensus arrangements and affirmation votes.
Plateau Produces Businessman Candidate As Ropshik Makes One-Term Promise
In Plateau State, businessman Kefas Ropshik emerged victorious after polling 19,938 votes to defeat three other aspirants.
Ropshik, founder of Kefiano Group and Kefiano Autos, described his emergence as a mandate to unite and rebuild the state.
But one promise immediately stood out.
He pledged to serve only one term if elected governor, saying the decision aligns with Plateau’s existing zoning understanding aimed at preserving peace and political balance.
Oyo Delegates Back Gbolarumi
In Oyo State, former deputy governor Hazeem Gbolarumi secured the PDP governorship ticket.
According to the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Tolulope Awoniyi, Gbolarumi polled 3,615 votes, defeating Beulah Adeoye who secured 22 votes.
Following his victory, Gbolarumi thanked delegates and party supporters across all 33 local government areas and promised to justify their confidence.
Kaduna Votes Bawa As Security Takes Centre Stage
Kaduna delegates also produced a clear winner.
Former House of Representatives member Shehu Bawa emerged after securing 124,170 votes, defeating Haruna Saeed.
Bawa’s post-primary message focused heavily on insecurity and economic hardship — two issues expected to dominate campaigns in the state.
Katsina Goes For Consensus
Unlike direct voting contests elsewhere, Katsina adopted a consensus model.
Former senator Garba Lado Danmarke emerged through affirmation after receiving 77,013 valid votes.
Party officials described the process as a reflection of internal agreement and unity.
Kano Delivers One Of The Biggest Political Upsets
Kano produced one of the most closely watched outcomes.
Muhammad Bello Dalhatu defeated Mohammed Abacha to secure the PDP ticket.
Dalhatu polled 2,233 votes, while Abacha scored 749 votes.
The result instantly became one of the biggest talking points from the primaries.
Ombugadu, Bwacha And Ejekwu Secure Tickets
In Nasarawa State, David Ombugadu emerged during a stakeholders’ meeting supervised by INEC officials.
Party leaders described his emergence as a show of confidence across the state’s three senatorial zones.
Ombugadu later announced Yahaya Ohinoye as his running mate.
In Taraba, former senator Emmanuel Bwacha emerged through consensus affirmation.
Meanwhile, in Rivers State, Sam Ejekwu emerged as consensus candidate.
His emergence has already attracted attention because of his political relationship with Nyesom Wike.
Abia And Cross River Complete The List
The PDP also finalised governorship candidates in two additional states.
Kelechi Anosike secured the ticket in Abia.
In Cross River, Arthur Jarvis emerged as the party’s standard bearer.
Primaries Are Over — The Real Contest Begins
Winning a primary delivers momentum.
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Winning an election requires something else.
The PDP may now have its candidates, but the harder questions remain:
Can these victories survive internal party politics?
Can consensus become votes?
And can the opposition convert promises into power in 2027?
