Plateau PDP factional candidates emerge as rival camps select separate governorship flag bearers ahead of the 2027 general elections
The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been thrown into renewed confusion following the emergence of two factional governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections, deepening the party’s internal crisis in the state.
Also read: PDP Leaders Hold Tense Closed-Door Meeting With Makinde
The rival factions within the party conducted separate primaries in Plateau State, each producing a different candidate for the forthcoming governorship election.
One faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, nominated businessman and philanthropist Kefas Ropshik, popularly known as Kefiano, as its governorship candidate.
In a parallel exercise, another faction loyal to Tanimu Turaki held its own primary and selected former permanent secretary and ex-gubernatorial aspirant Sunday Garba Biggs as its candidate.
The Plateau PDP factional candidates controversy has intensified uncertainty within the party, with both camps insisting on the legitimacy of their respective nominees.
Publicity Secretary of the Turaki faction in the state, Felix Choji, declared that Biggs remained the authentic flag bearer, stating that he was the only aspirant who completed the screening process conducted by the party’s committee in Abuja.
According to Choji, the screening outcome effectively positioned Biggs for formal affirmation as the party’s governorship candidate pending official ratification.
However, the Wike-backed faction maintained that Kefiano remained the only recognised candidate, dismissing the rival primary as invalid and not in line with the party’s accepted process.
The parallel nominations have raised fresh questions over which candidate will be recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as the legitimate PDP flag bearer in the state.
Also read: Sule-Lamido Wins PDP Jigawa Guber Ticket Unopposed
The development underscores the lingering divisions within the Plateau PDP, as the party continues to grapple with reconciliation challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
