Niger PDP Elects Sulaiman Governorship Candidate

PDP Chief‑tender Declares Himself Authentic Governorship Candidate in Enugu

Laleye Dipo in Minna and Gideon Arinze in Enugu

A former Chairman of Mokwa Local Government in Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sulaiman, has been selected as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.

In Enugu State, PDP chieftain Samson Chukwu Nnamani has also announced himself as the party’s authentic governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Alhaji Sulaiman was chosen by consensus after other aspirants withdrew from the race.

He will now face the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag‑bearer and incumbent Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Mohammadu Umaru Bago, as well as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr. Mohammed Idris Kpautagi.

Former party vice‑chairman Alhaji Yahaya Ability was also elected by consensus as the PDP senatorial candidate for the Niger North Senatorial Zone, while Alhaji Nma Alfa was selected for the Niger South Senatorial Zone.

At the time of reporting, efforts were underway to secure a consensus candidate for the Niger East Senatorial Zone and for House of Assembly positions.

Commenting on his selection, Alhaji Sulaiman said, “It is an opportunity many people have longed for. I am happy I got it.” He thanked those who supported him and prayed for success in the campaign.

In another development, Nnamani addressed journalists in Enugu through his media director, Buchi Nnaji. He claimed that his emergence followed a governorship primary monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and was backed by a Supreme Court judgment recognising the Abdurahman‑led faction of the party.

He insisted that the PDP in Enugu is no longer factionalised following INEC’s recognition of the leadership faction that conducted the primary that declared him winner.

Nnamani pledged to reposition Enugu State through infrastructure development, job creation, industrialisation, support for small businesses, and people‑oriented policies.

“As the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, I remain committed to the ideals of good governance, inclusive leadership, economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, improved healthcare, and enhanced security for all residents,” he said.

He added that his aspiration is driven by a desire to build “a greater Enugu State where opportunities abound for every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or social status.”

Nnamani urged residents to ignore rival claims to the PDP governorship ticket following the emergence of other contenders, including former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji and Dona Nwogbo.

He dismissed allegations that he was suspended before the primary as spurious and called on party faithful and residents of Enugu State to support his vision for a peaceful and progressive state.