Nura Khalil, Dan Lawan, Natasha, Ortom, Dankwambo win PDP senatorial tickets
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has produced senatorial candidates in Kogi, Imo, Benue, Gombe, Katsina, Ebonyi, and Abia states ahead of the 2027 general election.
In Kogi central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the incumbent, was affirmed as the PDP candidate following a district-wide exercise conducted across the 57 wards in the senatorial district.
The affirmation exercise culminated in the final collation of results at Kahal Cinema in Okene, where party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters had converged.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and members of the media monitored the process across the wards and at the collation centre.
Speaking after the collation, Akpoti-Uduaghan thanked party members and supporters for what she described as an overwhelming show of confidence.
“This affirmation is a reflection of the trust and confidence the people of Kogi Central have continued to place in our collective vision for progress, inclusion and development,” she said.
“I am deeply humbled by the massive turnout across all 57 wards. This is not just about one individual; it is about our people coming together in unity to deepen democracy and build a stronger and more prosperous Kogi Central.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan pledged continued commitment to representation and development across the senatorial district.
“I accept this responsibility with gratitude and renewed commitment,” she said.
“By the grace of God and with the continued support of our people, we will remain focused on delivering sustainable development, justice and opportunities for everyone.”
In Imo, Eze Madumere, former deputy governor of the state, was named as the PDP candidate for Imo east senatorial district through a consensus arrangement.
The primary election was held at the PDP state secretariat in Owerri.
INEC officials monitored the exercise and commended party members for the peaceful conduct of the primary.
Speaking after his emergence, Madumere thanked party leaders and supporters for the confidence reposed in him.
“I assure you today that I will not disappoint you,” he said.
“I remain committed to quality representation that will attract development, empower our youths, support our women, and restore the voice and dignity of Owerri Zone at the national level.”
The PDP also announced Jones Onyereri as candidate for Imo west and Mike Duru Ejiogu as candidate for Imo north senatorial district.
In Benue state, Eunice Ortom, former first lady of the state, emerged as the PDP candidate for Benue north-west senatorial district.
The affirmation took place during the PDP zonal senatorial primary exercise attended by delegates and stakeholders from the seven LGAs in the district.
In her acceptance speech, Ortom thanked party delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in her.
She pledged to pursue people-oriented legislation and attract development to the district if elected.
Also in Benue, Abba Moro, senate minority leader, secured the PDP senatorial ticket for Benue south ahead of the 2027 elections.
In his acceptance speech, Moro thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him.
Moro said he would continue to strengthen the PDP and work for victory at all levels during the general election.
In Gombe, Ibrahim Dankwambo, former governor of the state and incumbent senator, was affirmed as the PDP consensus candidate for Gombe north senatorial district.
The affirmation exercise was held at the PDP Gombe north zonal office in Malam Sidi.
INEC officials from Abuja and Gombe state also monitored the process.
In Katsina state, the PDP endorsed Hamisu Gambo, popularly known as Dan Lawan, as consensus candidate for Katsina central senatorial district.
The endorsement took place during an affirmation ceremony at the PDP headquarters in Katsina attended by party leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and supporters.
Yakubu Lado, PDP leader in the state and former governorship candidate, said the party’s candidate selection process prioritises competence and performance.
“We are optimistic that the PDP will emerge victorious,” he said.
“We must wake up and make a difference by eradicating poverty and insecurity among our people if given the mandate.”
Nura Kurfi, chairman of the PDP in Katsina state, said the successful affirmation exercise showed the party was reconnecting with grassroots supporters.
Kurfi also announced that the PDP would hold another affirmation exercise to endorse Lado as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The PDP also endorsed Nura Khalil as the consensus candidate for Funtua senatorial district.
Khalil was the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 election before defecting to the PDP.
In Ebonyi state, Maria Nwachi emerged as the PDP candidate for Ebonyi south senatorial district after polling 2,299 votes in the party’s primary election.
Supporters of Nwachi described her victory as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in her leadership by party members and residents of the district.
In Abia state, the PDP announced Jude Udeachara as candidate for Abia north, Bob Ogu for Abia central, and Chinyere Onuoha for Abia south senatorial district.
Udeachara polled 39,740 votes to emerge as the candidate for Abia north.
Ogu secured the Abia central ticket with 18,901 votes, while Onuoha scored 33,611 votes to clinch the Abia south ticket.
Ikenna Onuoha, chairman of the PDP senatorial election committee in Abia, described the exercise as peaceful and rancour-free.
Abraham Amah, chairman of the PDP in Abia state, said the party is preparing seriously for victory in the 2027 elections.
