Labour Party Factions Produce Rival Governorship Candidates in Nasarawa Ahead of 2027 Election
By Abel Zwanke, Lafia
The leadership dispute within the Labour Party in Nasarawa State deepened over the weekend as rival factions conducted separate governorship primaries and announced different candidates for the 2027 governorship election.
One faction declared Engr. Hon. Ibrahim Afaka Azamu as its governorship candidate, following what it described as a transparent primary conducted in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
In a statement issued after the exercise, the faction said the primary reflected members’ commitment to strengthening the party and preparing for the 2027 elections. It also urged supporters to remain united and focused on the party’s objectives in the state.
However, a separate faction of the Labour Party also held a governorship primary on the same day and announced Hon. Gaza Jonathan, a serving member of the House of Representatives, as its candidate.The faction additionally produced former Minister of Information and Culture, Labaran Maku, as its candidate for the Nasarawa North Senatorial District, along with candidates for other elective positions.
The emergence of parallel candidates highlights the ongoing leadership dispute within the party, with both groups claiming legitimacy and control of the party structure in Nasarawa State.
As of the time of reporting, the national leadership of the Labour Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not issued any official clarification regarding the competing primaries.
Despite the internal divisions, both factions expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the 2027 elections and pledged to continue mobilising support across the state.
