The Social Democratic Party has picked a former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, as its candidate for the 2027 Nasarawa State governorship election.
Adamu emerged during a substitution primary held on Saturday in Lafia, the state capital, following the withdrawal of the party’s previously listed candidate, Musa Adamu Angba.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had listed Angba as the SDP’s governorship candidate for the state before his withdrawal paved the way for the substitution.
Declaring the result, the Chairman of the SDP Electoral Committee for Nasarawa State, Joseph Achille, said the primary was conducted across the state’s 13 local government areas.
Achille said 28,637 delegates participated in the exercise, adding that the votes cast at the ward level were duly collated.
“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,” he told the delegates.
He subsequently declared Adamu the winner after the former police chief secured the highest number of valid votes.
“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 said.
He described the exercise as free, fair and credible before inviting Adamu to deliver his acceptance speech.
The former IG thanked the party for conducting the primary and pledged to work towards improving the state if 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Media and Strategic Communications of the Adamu campaign organisation, Otaru Douglas, said the former police chief’s affirmation had ended what he described as speculation over the SDP ticket.
In a statement issued after the exercise, Douglas claimed the turnout and unanimous support for Adamu demonstrated the party’s unity ahead of the election.
“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,” he said.
