Nasarawa 2027: Ex-IG Adamu Clinches SDP Governorship Ticket

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has officially selected Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, a former Inspector-General of Police, as its flag-bearer for the 2027 Nasarawa State gubernatorial election. This development occurred during a substitution primary election conducted on Saturday in Lafia, the state capital. Adamu's emergence follows the earlier withdrawal of Musa Adamu Angba, who was initially listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the SDP’s governorship candidate for the state.

Joseph Achille, who chaired the SDP Electoral Committee for Nasarawa State, announced the results, stating that the primary exercise spanned all 13 local government areas of the state. Achille further disclosed that a total of 28,637 delegates participated in the process, with votes cast at the ward level being properly collated. Addressing the delegates, he remarked, “Sitting before you today to conduct this election. As you are all aware, we have a sole candidate for the office of governor, SDP, Nasarawa State.”

Following the collation, Achille subsequently declared Adamu the winner, confirming that the former police chief had garnered the highest number of valid votes. He stated, “Having scored the total votes peacefully and lawfully, it gives me singular privilege, by the powers conferred on me by the National Executive Committee and the National Working Committee, to declare the result that Mohammed Abubakar Adamu scored the highest lawful valid votes. Subsequently, he is declared, returned, and elected as the candidate and flag-bearer of the Social Democratic Party for Nasarawa State.”

Achille characterized the entire exercise as free, fair, and credible before inviting Adamu to deliver his acceptance speech. In his remarks, the former Inspector-General expressed gratitude to the party for the smooth conduct of the primary and made a commitment to improve the state should he be elected in 2027. “I am delighted that the primaries have been conducted. I’m also delighted that we have been declared the winner. My family and the people of Nasarawa State are delighted that this primary has been conducted, and we have been declared winners,” Adamu stated.

Meanwhile, Otaru Douglas, the Director of Media and Strategic Communications for the Adamu campaign organisation, issued a statement affirming that the former police chief’s confirmation had put an end to what he termed as ongoing speculation regarding the SDP ticket. Douglas asserted that the significant turnout and unanimous backing for Adamu underscored the party’s unity in anticipation of the upcoming election. He added, “The people have shown uncommon resilience and commitment to changing the governance narrative of our dear state. They have rejected politics of intimidation and inducement and have chosen competence, experience, integrity and proven leadership.”