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.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The National President of the Forum of Ex-Councillors of Nigeria, Ambassador Awal Kasim Hassan, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to respect Nigeria’s zoning arrangement and defer any presidential ambition until 2031.

Speaking in an interview in Kaduna, Hassan said the forum supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s potential re-election bid in 2027, arguing that the South should be allowed to complete what he described as its turn under the zoning principle.According to him, former councillors across the country remain committed to Tinubu and have continued grassroots mobilisation in support of his administration.

Hassan dismissed suggestions that opposition political movements could significantly affect Tinubu’s support base, insisting that the forum’s nationwide structure remains firmly behind the president.

He argued that the zoning arrangement, which saw former President Muhammadu Buhari serve two terms, should be respected by all political actors. “I advise Atiku Abubakar to wait until 2031 if he wishes to contest again. The zoning principle should be respected in the interest of fairness and political stability,” Hassan said.

The ex-councillors’ leader also stated that the forum has maintained support for Tinubu since his earlier political career and is strengthening its grassroots network ahead of future elections. He added that members of the forum are present in local government areas across the country and remain actively engaged in political mobilisation.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

Former Plateau State Governor, Senator Jonah David Jang, has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections as transparent, credible and democratic, contrasting them with what he alleged were less transparent processes in some other political parties.

In a statement issued through his Media Consultant, Comrade Clinton Garuba, Jang congratulated the PDP on the conduct of its primaries nationwide, particularly in Plateau State, where Hon. Sunday Garba Biggs emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

According to Jang, the exercise reflected strong internal democracy, organisation and unity within the PDP. “There is no doubt that the difference in approach, planning and execution as witnessed during the PDP primary elections and those of some other parties was significant,” he said.

The former governor alleged that while the PDP allowed party members to determine outcomes through a transparent process, some parties were accused of imposing candidates. However, he did not provide specific evidence for the claim.

Jang also urged individuals involved in internal disputes within the PDP in Plateau State to avoid actions capable of undermining party unity. He maintained that the party remains united under the leadership of Chief Raymond Dabo.

The elder statesman called on party members and Nigerians to prioritise the collective interest and remain committed to democratic values. He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and actively participate in future elections, stressing the importance of protecting the integrity of the electoral process.