…Suspended Chieftain Speaking for Himself, Party Says; Ombugadu Remains Guber Candidate
From Abel Zwanke, Lafia
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has dismissed reports alleging that a faction of the party linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).The party, in a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Bako Labaran Musa, described the report as false and lacking official backing.
Musa said the individual reportedly linked to the publication, Sani Muhammed Keffi, no longer had the authority to speak on behalf of the PDP, alleging that he was suspended and removed from office by the party’s National Headquarters on June 2, 2026, over alleged anti-party activities.The PDP said Keffi’s views were personal and should not be regarded as the position of the party. It also denied the existence of factions within its Nasarawa chapter, insisting that the party remained united.
The party further reaffirmed the legitimacy of its candidates for the 2027 general elections, saying they emerged through processes conducted in line with its guidelines. It specifically identified Rt. Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu as its governorship candidate for the 2027 election and said other candidates who emerged from its primaries remained valid nominees.
The PDP urged its members and the public to disregard reports suggesting that any Wike-aligned faction in the state had defected to the APC. The party said only statements issued by its recognised leadership through authorised officials should be regarded as its official position.
